In a close-knit community like Estcourt, there is very little that matches the unity between people when tragedy strikes, say residents.
READ THIS: Umtshezi Fire Protection Association is a helping hand in heated situations
The Umtshezi Fire Protection Association (UFPA) is always ready to step in and offer help or support in the event of a fire. Last week, Warren Blaker, who was recently elected as the 2019 chairperson of the UFPA and deputy fire protection officer, was introduced to the community.
When asked how it feels to have been elected, he said,
“It is nice to know that people have faith in you to have so much responsibility.”
Mr Blaker hopes to enforce the National Veld & Forest Fire Act of 1998 during his time of leadership.
“Fires can be very destructive; people can and have been hurt. Fires have an immense impact,” explained Mr Blaker.
The benefits of joining an FPA are the shared resources and services. Joining the UFPA means you would have access to the skid unit (bakkie sakkie) and hand equipment, and the members would respond during the event of a fire. Signing up is easy – all you have to do is make contact with the chairman.
The Fire Chief is Alfred Phoswa and Suzanne Fortman is the secretary. The joining fee for membership per year is a minimum of R300. The annual fees include membership to join the Fire Protection Association, and getting updates of the daily fire index.
“We would obviously like to do much more, but we are limited. The fees go towards maintenance for the bakkie that is used to fight fires, and Fire Protection Association charges. This allows us to be made aware when there is a danger of fire. This is how the fire danger index is determined: by temperature, humidity, wind/speed, days since rain, amount of rainfall and fuel load,” shared Mr Blaker.
The association is clear on the fact that they offer help and support, and are not in existence to take over the jobs of those already employed, but rather to work alongside them.
With that said, Mr Blaker hopes to have the following sponsored by local businessmen: two ceiling hooks (R1500 each), petrol power saw – (R6000), bolt cutter 300mm, crowbar, two torches, two headlamps, 10 traffic cones, fireman’s axe (R1500) and protective fire gear.
“We would like to get local businesses involved to get the fire department some more tools that they need. This will belong to us and will be loaned to the fire department. These items will be extremely beneficial to the fire department in an emergency situation. This is for a very good cause and we are looking at raising no more than R15,000. Besides two items that need to be outsourced, everything else is available here in town and we would be supporting local business. I believe there is a lot of goodwill in this town and we can all help get this much-needed equipment,” Mr Blaker added.
If you are interested in joining or offering assistance to the Umtshezi Fire Protection Association, contact Mr Blaker on 072-658-0557.
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