Bedfordview resident Monica Birkhead sent a heartfelt appreciation to the Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS).

Monica thanked DEMS for their awesome response to her family’s crisis on January 28.

“Lightning struck a tree in our garden during an intense thunderstorm, causing a roaring blaze. The emergency services phone was answered within two rings, the call was directed to the fire department, and a fire engine arrived within 10 minutes,” said Monica.

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She said that the emergency call centre staff were well spoken and calming.

They phoned back to check on the situation, and the firemen and women were superbly efficient and kind.

Monica added that it was an extremely professional and remarkable team effort for which her family is immensely grateful.

“We would also like to thank the staff of BSG security solutions, our ward councillor Jill Humphreys, and the many concerned neighbours of the Bedfordview Hillside Residents’ group.

“For me, the cherry on the top was that the fire engine was driven by a woman – hats off to equal opportunity in Ekurhuleni!”

Lightning risks to life and property

DEMS district manager media liaison, William Ntladi, explained that lightning strikes pose a significant risk to life and property by their nature.

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It has high temperatures and extreme electrical force; even green vegetation can ignite and burn on direct strike.

He said survivors often face long-term neurological damage, including memory loss, chronic pain and cognitive impairment.

Due to the high magnitude of electrical force, it interrupts cardiac activities, and the patients commonly go into cardiac arrest.

The brain is one of the primary organs of life that requires a constant supply of oxygen, and without the supply, the chances of it going into biological death from clinical death are high.

In terms of properties, Ntladi said that if a house or any property isn’t earthed, there’s a high chance it can be ignited, especially in high structures and thatched/grass-roof structures.

Dry grass is one of the solid fire fuel matters that burnt easily because of its dryness. When struck by lightning, because of its characteristics, the chances of it burning are high.

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He suggested that structures should be equipped with lightning arresters for protection. Grass/thatch roofs require fire-retardant chemicals to prevent easy ignition.

Ntladi said the most important lightning safety tip is encapsulated by the phrase, “When thunder roars, go indoors”.
• Do not shelter under isolated trees or open structures.
• Stay away from water, high grounds, open spaces, and metal objects.
• If caught in the open, crouch in a ball-like position with minimal ground contact. Do not lie flat.
• While indoors, avoid contact with water and plumbing.
• Stay away from corded electronics. Unplug non-essential appliances.
• Stay away from windows, doors and concrete.

Balancing technical firefighting with emotional support

Objectively, Emergency Services’ prerequisite is life and property preservation from obliteration by either fire or external life-threatening forces, Ntladi said. He added that in the same breath, the rescuers’ personal safety is taken into consideration. Secondary to that is the consideration of emotional support to those affected.

“Firefighters are human as well, and sometimes they need the very same type of emotional and/ or psychological support as those affected by the incident.

“Within Emergency Services, the EMS Chaplaincy division is available for intervention, assisting the affected community members and even Emergency Services personnel,” Ntladi explained.

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Gender balance in the firefighting workspace

In reference to history, Ntladi said that, in the olden days, men were the founders of the firefighting profession in Rome before spreading to European countries and the entire world.

The term ‘firemen’ was used to identify those extinguishing the fire; however, Ntladi noted that, due to the current evolution of life, the term ‘firemen’ is no longer used, and ‘firefighter’ is used to encompass both genders.

He said that in modern times, female firefighters bring diverse life experiences that foster innovative problem-solving, adaptability, and better community engagement.

Women are physically and mentally capable of the demands of firefighting, Ntladi acknowledged. He added that they bring a mix of high risk-taking with lower impulsivity, as well as increased compassion.

“Inclusion, protection, and promotion of women in firefighting are governed by a combination of equality legislation and sector-specific policies that mandate non-discrimination and promotion of gender transformation within the traditionally male-dominated industry,” Ntladi said.

“Firefighting is an exciting career whereby one learns every day, interacts with different communities, and there is a sense of [gratitude] when someone shows appreciation for saving lives or properties, which will never be compared to any other feeling.”