DEMS responds to Never Never fire
Two fire engines were dispatched to the scene, mainly a major industrial pumper and small grass unit pumper.
In response to an article published on July 18, titled Cause of fire in Never Never unknown, district manager media liaison William Ntladi of Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS) says:
“Two fire engines were dispatched to the scene, mainly a major industrial pumper and a small grass unit pumper.
“The reason is the knowledge and experience that the streets around this area are challenging in terms of width.
“Using the smaller pump is always better because of easy maneuverability between the shacks, the smaller the water tank the better.”
He adds: “The pump needs to be refilled frequently.
Also see: Three shacks burned down in Never Never
“Fire suppression is thus halted and subsequently time spent on scene is prolonged.
“The pumps arrived on scene seven minutes after the reception of the call and three informal structures were found engulfed in flames.
“Offensive fire suppression was immediately initiated and in no time, the fire was out.
“No casualties were recorded because of the blaze.”
He says: “Informal settlements are proven more challenging in terms of street width and how structures are erected.
“Our Public Information Education and Relations (PIER) subsection is on continuously engaging with the dwellers, educating them on fire safety as a primary intervention mechanism.
“Secondary to that, the city is facilitating the reblocking system of informal settlements to create easier access routes in and out of the dwellings.”
He concludes: “From emergency services perspectives, smaller fire pumps are always augmented by major pumpers and water tankers in terms of equipment and sustainable water supply in areas where access is a challenge.”
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