Thanks to the bravery and quick-thinking of several Fidelity ADT security officers, a Bryanston resident home was saved from a fire.
This following their quick reaction that saved the Taylors’ home on Christmas Eve when a fire broke out in their garage. Mrs Taylor*, who preferred not to have her first mentioned to protect her privacy, said that at around 5am on 24 December she awoke to her alarm system making a strange sound.
She heard loud banging downstairs and assumed immediately that there was an intruder. “I was alone at the time so I called Fidelity ADT and asked them to send a team,” she said.
Mrs Taylor locked herself in her room, anxious about a possible intruder. After Fidelity ADT Officers arrived, they immediately started shouting and telling her to get out of the house. They had seen black smoke coming out of the garage and realised the alarm had been activated by a fire.
“I ran downstairs, and by the time I reached the officers they had already called for more back-up and called the fire brigade,” she explained.
She added that the electricity had tripped. “We tried to unlock a side door to the garage but the lock had jammed, so they broke the lock.
“They told me to get out because it seemed that at least one of the two cars in the garage was on fire.”
After this, they took two large fire extinguishers that were kept in the kitchen and went into the garage in turns to extinguish the fire. “They took turns because the smoke was so bad. We learned later that this was because the lead batteries were on fire.”
Mrs Taylor said that through their immense bravery, they not only saved her home, but they even saved the two cars in the garage. “My family and I wish to extend very grateful thanks to Fidelity ADT, and in particular to the men who came to our help in the early hours.”
Steven Bronks, community development manager Fidelity ADT said the Taylors’ thanks have been passed onto the team. “We are very proud of our officers. They face adversity every day and do it willingly and bravely.”
Robert Mulaudzi, spokesperson for Johannesburg Emergency Services confirmed the incident.
[f] Have you had a fire incident where security guards stepped up to help? Share your stories with us on the Sandton Chronicle Facebook pageRelated links:
UPDATE: Sandton fire engine to be repaired soon #BryanstonFire
Kelvin community members gather together to fight house fire