Lonehill Fire Station is still cause for concern
LONEHILL – Skid units have been delivered to different fire stations around the city, but are more suited to combating veld fires.
Despite many concerns that have been raised about the lack of fire engines at the Lonehill Fire Station, there are currently still no fire engines at the station.
Robert Mulaudzi, the spokesperson for the City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services, confirmed that there is a shortage of fire trucks throughout the City of Johannesburg, with Lonehill Fire Station not having any. Only a water tanker, a Bronto for high-rise buildings and two skid units are located there.
The Fourways Review has reported extensively on the lack of fire engines in the past. In the article, City of Joburg confirms only six fire engines are operating for the entire city (published online on 5 July), former Mayor Herman Mashaba said only six fire trucks are operational in the city.
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The lack of fire trucks in Johannesburg has been an issue for a number of years. In 2018, the Fourways Review reported on a fire in No fire trucks at Lonehill and Midrand stations is unacceptable (published online on 6 September 2018). The blaze brought about the conversation and frustration of the lack of fire trucks as it took an hour from when the fire was reported for help to arrive.
Mulaudzi added, “Most of our vehicles are very old, and they spend most of the times being repaired at the workshop instead of them being on the road servicing our residents.
“Good news is that 15 skid units were delivered to the Lonehill Fire Station 2 October last year. They are rapid intervention vehicles which normally respond to smaller fires, like veld fires. To address the shortage, we have strategically placed the ones we have to efficiently respond to all emergencies which might occur.”
Mulaudzi concluded, “The issue of shortage of vehicles is being addressed at the highest level.”
