Working on Fire firefighters put out fires near the Camden Power Station

A team of about 25 Working on Fire (WoF) firefighters, in conjunction with the Msukaligwa Fire and Rescue Service officials, successfully contained a blaze in the Camden Power Station area on Thursday, 14 June.

The extent of the damages caused by the fire has not yet been established and an investigation is still underway to probe what sparked the fire.

“In addition to a team of firefighters, WoF aerial firefighting resources were also dispatched to assist with the blaze. These included one spotter plane and a chopper,” said Ms Lebogang Maseko, WoF provincial spokesman.

Msukaligwa Fire and Rescue Service’s fire chief, Mr Daniel Johnstone, said the fire brigade worked tirelessly to extinguish the fire.

“When we received a fire call-out at around 10.42am, we immediately dispatched three municipal firefighters that joined the WoF team to ensure they minimise possible damages at the station. The fire was put down at about 15.30pm,” Mr Johnstone said.

Mr Johnstone further added that mop-up operations were also successfully concluded on Thursday, while the team remained on sight and monitored possible flare-ups.

“As this year’s winter fire season reaches its peak, WoF firefighters, in conjunction with various fire protection associations in the province, remain on high alert to offer any additional firefighting support to landowners and local municipalities,” Ms Maseko said.

She appealed to communities and landowners to remain vigilant, not to start any unnecessary fires and for people to watch the daily Fire Danger Index warnings issued by the South African Weather Service.

Ms Maseko added tips on what to do when you are facing a fire:

• Livestock should be moved out of grazing land to unbarred land or a ploughed field for safety.

• Water is generally not available in sufficient quantities or at adequate pressure for the control of major fires, however, sand or other loose mineral soil material can be an effective method of control.