The 20 courageous firefighters who heeded the call to assist in the blaze that engulfed the Bank of Lisbon building in Johannesburg last week were honoured for their bravery by Ekurhuleni executive mayor, Clr Mzwandile Masina, at the banquet hall in Germiston Civic Centre this week.
Speaking to the brave men and women who risked their lives to save others, the mayor acclaimed the courageousness displayed by the firefighters in responding without hesitation to assist firefighters in the City of Johannesburg.
“Last week we called on you to assist us as government in a situation that was almost getting out of hand and you responded positively to the call to serve the country and, in addition, to serve the City of Ekurhuleni, where you are employed,” Masina said.
Masina further stated the City of Ekurhuleni had shown capabilities through dedicated staff and equipment used during the blaze and through its equipment the city was geared to avert human tragedies in the future.
The team of firefighters responded to the request by the City of Johannesburg with a water tanker that was dispatched from Alberton Fire Station with two crew members and was deployed there for the entire night.
More resources were requested on September 6 and the city responded to the call with 20 qualified personnel who consisted of crew commanders, managers and 11 firefighters. Firefighting units such a water tanker, grass unit, ambassador trailer and a hydraulic platform were deployed.
Of the firefighting units deployed, the hydraulic platform vehicle became the most important firefighting vehicle which managed to extend to heights where other equipment could not reach. The vehicle was used to pump water into the building through the seventh floor for the entire operation after its arrival. It was the main water supplier into the structure until the fire was declared extinguished.
