Lonehill fire saga: False flames extinguished

Member of Mayoral Committee (MMC) of Public Safety, Michael Sun, released a statement in regard to the fire incident that happened on Sunday evening, 11 June, in Beverley at the Monte Pollino complex.

Residents were unhappy about the emergency response on the night of the fire since Diepsloot Fire Station had to be dispatched but Sun has slammed reports that the fire engine took over an hour to arrive. According to Sun and Jean Berdou, Chairman for Future City Fourways, as well as the fire logs, the call was received at 22.06pm. The first fire engine arrived at 22.26 while the second fire engine arrived at 22.51pm.

“It is not uncommon that when fire engines from one station are out on another call, or in for maintenance, the station will be supported by the next available station,” explained Sun.  “The City has placed an order of 26 new fire engines and suppliers are currently building them as we speak.” The contractual date for delivery is the end of October this year but there are hopes that it will be sooner.

Sun told Fourways Review that they are working hard to have the aging fire engine fleet replaced, “We are hoping that the delivery of the new fleet will commence within the month of June, which will result in  improved response times.”

He also explained that older engines can then be reconditioned as back-up vehicles. “This is a lengthy process as these are specialised vehicles that take time to build.”

Berdou added, “Incorrect information leads to the community being upset and others are berated for the wrong reasons.” Berdou explained that the unavailability of a unit at Lonehill is currently being addressed and all the new engines are being paid for by the City of Joburg. “It is international practice that stations cover for one another,” he concluded.

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