Saving lives is their business
“Many of us will tell you that this is one of the most fulfilling jobs"
“Contrary to public opinion that firefighting is all about spraying water to put out fires, there’s actually a whole lot more that goes into it,” says Msukaligwa Fire and Rescue leading fire fighter Gawie Nel.
The Highvelder spent a day with him and interviewed some of the firefighters to experience what a day in a life of a firefighter looks like.
The day begins with a morning parade and a handover from the previous team. In the event of a call, the team on call must respond and dispatch within three minutes of receiving the call.
Teamwork is of great importance as each member depends on another to do the right thing and execute their duties according to instructions.
“Our job requires one to be alert and physically fit, as we work long hours,” said Mr Nel.
According to the Msukaligwa team, their job is mostly seasonal. During windy periods, veld fires are a nightmare; during summer and the rainy season there are many accidents due to slippery roads.
Members of the Msukaligwa Fire and Rescue Unit said prank calls were one of their challenges, because members of the community make false calls and a team is dispatched, only to find it was a prank.
Members of the community are also warned that should they be found guilty of making prank calls, they can Lerato Mnculwane be charged and fined.
People not calling the unit in time is another challenge when, in a case of fire,
people try to fight the fire themselves before calling the unit. When they eventually do call, it is normally too late.
Mr Nel also said firefighting is a calling to many and requires a brave heart, because of all the scenes, many horrific, they have to attend.
“Many of us will tell you that this is one of the most fulfilling jobs. Saving a child or motor vehicle occupants out of a wreck and getting them alive is a priceless feeling and for someone to say thank you for saving my
life,” explained Mr Nel.
Fellow members say they acknowledge that at times they sit and wait for a call, which to many people would seem like an easy job.
Counselling is also key in this job, because at times the load gets too heavy to bear. Firefighting also has different aspects, such as building inspection and fire investigations, as well as technicians for hazardous materials and others.
A course in firefighting can set you back a couple of thousand, which is worthwhile, according to members of the unit.
Their uniform is made of a special material which prevents them from catching fire and can withstand fires of very high degrees.
Mr Nel also said firefighters risk their lives to save others and that is something of which they are very proud.
