Toti Fire urges local residents to aid it in its fight against grass and bush fires this winter.
According to divisional commander, Anton Swardling, calls to the station more than double during the dry season.
“This happens every year. With very windy and dry conditions, we attend lots of grass fires,” said Anton.
Many are caused from lit cigarettes thrown from vehicles and ignorance in starting bush fires.
“A lot of fires we attend are started. It’s very difficult for a fire to start spontaneously, as you need a strong sun.”
The southern division includes Amanzimtoti, Umlazi, Mobeni and Prospecton. Each shift consists of an officer and up to 22 men between the four fire houses. The region covered is from Umlazi, past Umkomaas and inland to Eston.
“There are days when all four pumps are out and we sometimes have to get assistance from Congella and Jacobs.
Many of the calls turn out to be false. “Often when we get there, it is criminals burning copper wire.”
Anton urges the public to help them by not throwing lit cigarettes from vehicles and supplying accurate addresses when calling in. “This saves time and can help us save a property.
Many fires are also caused from people burning refuse in their yards and the fire gets out of control. “Nobody is allowed to burn refuse. It is a bylaw,” said Anton.
Added to the many grass and bush fires are the many motor vehicle accidents the fire-fighters have to attend to.
“We also attend to many shack fires in informal settlements, which are caused by illegal electricity connections. Last week four of my men were shocked when they stood on illegal electrical cables.”
