Fire brigade lambasted by former councillor over Eastdene fire
“Definitely no Chicago fire... maybe Brakpan brandweer”
The Middelburg Fire Department has come under scrutiny over the handling and response of the Eastdene Shopping Centre blaze.
Former Councillor and current DA member Farouk Suliman expressed his dismay to the Middelburg Observer, stating, “We are shocked to see that the Steve Tshwete Fire Department is not ready nor equipped to respond and handle a disaster of this magnitude, with members of the community needing to reach out to Columbus Stainless for assistance.”
The Steve Tshwete Local Municipality addressed Farouk’s assertion with the following statement, “The Steve Tshwete Fire and Rescue Services dispatched five fire engines and twenty-one fire personnel, including Hendrina Fire.
“As per our Mutual Aid Agreement, Columbus Stainless and Emalahleni Fire were contacted to offer assistance. Emalahleni dispatched six personnel and a tanker and Columbus Stainless three personnel and one fire engine.”
The fire brigade further proclaimed that they were well within their right to reach out to other stakeholders for assistance due to the magnitude of the fire.
Citing the Fire Brigade Services Act; Act 99 of 1987, Section 12, “It is standard practice for partners to provide assistance.”
The public echoed Farouk’s sentiments, as many social media users angrily commentated on a TikTok video taken and posted by the Middelburg Observer, titled ‘Middelburg firefighters trying to stop the spread of the Eastdene Shopping Centre fire’.
Users commented with scathing remarks, “Definitely no Chicago fire… maybe Brakpan brandweer,” “Three looters would have got in quicker,” and “Are they qualified firefighters?”
The aforementioned TikTok video can be found below:
@middelburgobserver Middelburg firefighters trying to stop the spread of the Eastdene Shopping Centre fire #firefighter #fire #middelburg #firefighters
