Bedfordview homes at risk as reserve fire sparks safety warning
A fire in Bedfordview’s Bill Stewart Reserve has prompted RAG to warn residents against dumping garden waste, which fuels dangerous veld fires.
The NPO Residents Action Group (RAG) Bedfordview has advised residents to be more alert to fire hazards.
This follows a fire that broke out in the dense foliage of Bill Stewart Reserve on September 16.
“One serious concern that we need to alert residents to is the issue of garden cuttings thrown on the reserve side of properties’ walls. This serves as dangerous dry fuel that could have brought the flames right up to houses.
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At least three homes were in the path of the blaze and at great risk. As we wait for rain and veld fires remain a threat, it’s critical to take note of this. Let’s work together to keep our neighbourhood safe!” advised RAG Bedfordview.
The RAG team was the first on the scene when the fire broke out and observed that the flames were dangerously close to homes on Pamin Road.
“Thanks to quick action by our team, including Aubrey and Mark with RAG’s new special operations vehicle, we were able to access the reserve with a crowbar and start fighting the blaze using garden hoses and our fire extinguishers,” said the group.
RAG said poor water pressure in the area posed a challenge, and the situation was tense as the responders worked alone for some 30 minutes until other firefighting services arrived.
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Fortunately, the wind was on their side and wasn’t blowing the flames towards the houses. No one was hurt, and no home was damaged.
RAG was also able to help direct the other firefighters to the scene, avoiding further delays.
