Fire Protection Association needs help fighting fires
Witbank Fire Protection Association are urging new members to help fight fires against August winds.
The Fire Protection Asssociation (FPA) eMalahleni had its annual meeting on August 4 at the Emalahleni Fire Station.
The aim of the meeting was to discuss the importance of membership and the upcoming fire season and the importance of assisting each other during a fire. Currently the FPA has less than 50 percent number of memberships which is worrying according to Mr Willem Botha, chairperson of the FPA.
“The goal of the FPA is to establish long lasting partnerships between the FPA, local farmers, and the community to create effective support against fires and fire protection against properties and farms. We want to be able to give better service delivery and ensure that everyone can work better together in the future. We can achieve this if we stand together and work together,” said Ms Salome Botha, vice chairperson.
The matter of fire season which has already started in March through September was also discussed.
“We are asking all farmers that are in possession of FPA fire trailers or bakkie units to please contact us as these are needed to help combat runaway fires. We also urge local farmers to become members of the FPA if you have not joined yet, to establish a better relationship between farmers and the FPA,” added Botha.
The importance of training farm workers and people who stay in rural areas, against bush and shack fires is one of the talking points held.
Thus the importance of becoming members of the fire department is under a lot of strain regarding staff.
“If farmers get more assistance from the Fire Department , it could encourage a rise in membership”, said one member, Mr Gerrie van der Walt.
“At the moment we are in discussions in recruiting more staff and reserves to alleviate the current pressure regarding staff shortages, there is only four shifts at the fire station” added Mr Ephraem Khanye, chief at the Emalahleni fire station.
With regard to firebreaks, the FPA urges those who make use of firebreaks to remember that the firebreak should be eight metres wide and four metres away from border lines, and a permit is required.
The next meeting will take place on October 20 at 10:00 at the Emalahleni Fire Station.
For any info regarding the permits or becoming a member, you can contact Khanye 082 336 0642, Mr Dennis Ground 082 330 1359, Ms Lauretta Skosana 081 574 3559 or Botha 074 303 3458 or bothasalome.sw@gmail.com
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