City cautions on fire usage as temperatures drop
Last year alone, the city said it responded to more than 6000 fire incidents during the winter season.
EVERY winter eThekwini Municipality tops the list of municipalities that bear the brunt of runaway fires that are largely a result of negligence.
Last year alone, the city said it responded to more than 6000 fire incidents during the winter season. Head of communications, Lindiwe Khuzwayo said households continue to account for a substantial number of these cases.
“Fire outbreaks do not only result in damage to property, but they are often fatal. Illegal electricity connections and unattended fires are usual causes. For us to turn the tide, members of the public need to play their part. We urge residents to be cautious during this time, more especially that the country is contending with load-shedding,” she said.
She offered these tips in the prevention of fires:
• Ensure that every fire is always attended to.
• Every fire must be extinguished properly with water after using it.
• No fire must burn throughout the night unattended.
• Smokers must refrain from throwing cigarette butts through windows
• Ensure that all cigarette butts are extinguished properly before disposal.
• Ensure children do not have access to objects that may start fires.
In case of an emergency, call 031 361 0000.
