A helping hand from the Umtshezi Fire Protection Association
The fire station is no longer in the red after receiving two fire trucks
At this point, locals are well aware that the Estcourt fire station is not capable of fighting large-scale fires. This conclusion was reached following various fires that the firefighters could not respond to efficiently, as the fire brigade is non-operational.
ALSO SEE: Is the Estcourt Fire Department in the red?
This leaves Inkosi Langalibalele Local Municipality fire station with just one bakkie to utilise in firefighting tasks in Weenen, Estcourt and surrounding areas. The Umtshezi Fire Protection Association realised this and decided to offer a helping hand.
The association has been paying for maintenance on the firefighting equipment in the bakkie used for firefighting and also assisted in searching for a fire truck that meets all the required standards available for lease to service the area.
On Friday, a sparkly-red 4X4 Mercedes Benz fire truck and Land Rover rapid intervention vehicle arrived at the municipality. Once the lease agreement was signed by Municipal Manager Patrick Mkhize, it was time for Umtshezi Fire Protection Association chairperson Warren Blaker, the deputy fire protection officer and a few firefighters to make their way to Gauteng to collect the vehicles.
“It is with much delight that I can announce that Inkosi Langalibalele Municipality has signed a lease for two vehicles for the fire department,” announced Mr Blaker, trying to contain his excitement.
He explained that: “The vehicles are powerful, with all the bells and whistles. The 4X4 carries up to 3000 litres of water and foam, packing a powerful pump and delivering a whopping 2000 litres a minute at 10 bars. The second vehicle is custom built with 600 litres of water, with an extremely powerful pump that gives off 300 litres a minute at 60 bars of pressure. It is a small yet manoeuvrable, versatile unit with all-around capabilities. Both vehicles are modern and highly suitable for our community.”
These vehicles are on a month-to-month lease, assessed each month while awaiting units from the Department of Co-operative Governance & Traditional Affairs to be delivered.
Mr Blaker continued that: “A new fire truck, due to its cost, must follow the tender process, as each unit is custom built.
” On behalf of the town and the Umtshezi Fire Protection Association, he wishes to thank Inkosi Langalibalele Municipality for making this possible. “Under financial pressure, they have come through, putting the community first during fire season. Thanks also to the firefighters for assisting in making this deal possible.” he concluded.
READ MORE: Capability of Inkosi Langalibalele Municipality’s fire department questioned
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