The Endumeni Fire Brigade have reacted to criticism over the state of their equipment and their ability to fight fires following the tragic death last night in Glencoe of Donsie Prinsloo who was burnt to death.

Station officer, Z Mhlungu, said his information was that when the control centre was contacted, the fire had already taken a hold of the Acacia Street house.

“We arrived at 8.30pm with a fire engine and a bakkie.  I was there myself in a double cab.  By then the fire had spread to four rooms.  Two staff members donned oxygen masks and went inside to assess.  Sadly, Mrs Prinsloo was already dead as the fire had started in her room where she was evidently asleep.

“Nevertheless, we proceeded to extinguish the blaze.  Yes, one of the men did look for fire hydrants – that is procedure.  While he was doing this, the others we taking steps to combat the fire.  As for comments that water was spraying everywhere from the hoses, that is not true.

“Water was coming out from the coupling on the engine.  But that did not impact on our ability to fight the fire.  Also, the engine stalled as a result of the water falling on it.  However, there are two engines and one is a back up.

“We did everything we could to ensure the fire did not spread.  We had seven personnel there – with myself.  All personnel who are on standby sleep on the premises of the control room on Diaz Road.  It is on a four day on , four day off basis. Comments that staff struggled to get into their clothing are also unfair.  What residents saw was personnel getting on their oxygen masks and tanks which is sometimes awkward as one has to remove one’s jacket first to strap the equipment on.

“We pass on our condolences to the family for this tragic event and residents must be assured that we do our best at all times.”