‘Firefighters did not save woman, neighbours did’
CHARTWELL - Chartwell residents state that City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services (EMS) firemen weren't brave enough to enter burning house
Details surrounding the cause of fire and actions of the City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services (EMS) firemen at a Chartwell house fire that took the life of one person, continue to remain sketchy.
City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services (EMS) spokesperson, Robert Mulaudzi has come forward to clear rumours about the fire truck running out of water. “The fire truck does not have an unlimited supply of water, but around 3 500 litres of water so, obviously, it is expected that at some point there will be no water.”
He explained that after the water had run out, firefighters were forced to find another water source in the area [which is usually a functional hydrant].
However, Mulaudzi refused to comment if firefighters were responsible for saving the life of the one female.
He also dodged questions about what exactly happened on the night, “Unfortunately I am unable to give details as police are currently investigating.”
According to Katerina Papadakis, who was at the incident, one firefighter and two neighbours were responsible for saving a female occupant who was trapped inside.
“It was one fireman and two male neighbours who risked their lives going into the house once they received information that the residents of the house were, in fact, home. It was these three brave souls that found and subsequently rescued the female occupant and who continued to risk their lives searching for the homeowner, who tragically lost his life,” she said.
Read:Â Councillor alleges slow response by EMS to warehouse fire
In a Facebook post, radio personality, Sasha Martinego, who was also at the scene explained that it was definitely neighbours who assisted in rescuing the woman trapped in the house and not a firefighter.
“A member of the public rescued the lady from the house, not a firefighter. Members of the public including myself were trying to use containers, wheelie bins etc to get water from the pool to douse the fire as the fire truck did not have water. “While we urged the firefighters to go and look for the second person as they had protective gear on, they stood around as though they did not know what to do. We [the public] had to tell them what to do. It was disgusting. Watching these fire people just shouting commands at each other and doing nothing.
“I even had to get the one hose into place once they got the water system working. The firefighters proceeded to break down the second garage door where there was no fire while we stood helplessly urging them to attack where the fire was spreading. It was one of the most disappointing scenes I have ever witnessed…”
Warrant officer Balan Muthan, head of communications for the Douglasdale police confirmed that police were still investigating.
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Emergency services rubbish claims of delayed response to Chartwell house fire
Diepsloot woman perishes in fire
