We have a great fire service

On the afternoon of December 23 I had the misfortune of having my house struck by lightning when a severe storm passed over the Umhlali golf course.

Soon after the strike my neighbours saw smoke emerging from my roof and they, Brian and Paul, alerted the Ballito fire service. They and other neighbours, including Chris, assisted in attempting to extinguish the fire. These attempts were unsuccessful and the fire could be seen to be gaining ground.

It was then that the Ballito fire engine appeared on the scene, in the astonishingly short time of about 10 to 15 minutes after being alerted. The fire crew, with trained efficiency, went about their task and soon had the blaze under control and then extinguished. There is little doubt that, had they not responded to our call with such rapidity, my house may well have been reduced to ashes.

Through the medium of your newspaper I wish to thank the Kwadukuza municipality and, in particular, the management and staff of the Ballito fire brigade for the fine service they rendered in extinguishing the fire in my house. We can all be proud of this organisation.

I also wish to offer my sincere thanks to my neighbours and all those people who came help in fighting this fire.

Ballito