Cape Town has taken steps to prepare for more possible runaway veld fires over the next few days.
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JP Smith, the City’s Mayco member for safety and security, says the City’’s chief fire officer made the call to take four of the bigger fire engines from the more quiet stations and put them on off-run. The crews will specifically man an additional 21 specialised vehicles at strategic stations.
‘For us right now, our greatest danger to life and property is that of runaway veld fires. While our response is quick, often the source of ignition is not accessible using our big fire trucks, manned with a full crew.’
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These specialised vehicles include water-tanker trucks, smaller skid units and bush tenders. Both the skid units and the bush tenders are 4×4, off-road all-terrain, and carry a water tank with a hydraulic pump and hose reels.
‘This means not only can teams arrive quicker instead of responding with the larger fire truck but they can also get closer to the source and get water on it a lot sooner.’
Smith adds that crews will still be responding to vehicle accident scenes, residential and commercial fires and rescue call-outs. ‘But with consideration of the increased threat of runaway veld fires over the next few days, this puts us in the position to offer the best possible service to our residents and visitors.’
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Picture: JP Smith / Facebook