Firestation is still empty despite several calls to get firetrucks back
There is no news on Ga-Nala’s fire station and with winter approaching runaway veld fires is a huge concern for residents.
Sounds echo in the fire station in Ga-Nala where only a few uniforms are left behind to tell the story of the Emalahleni Local Municipality’s failure to maintain this crucial service in the Highveld town.
The municipality moved the fire trucks to Phola and eMalahleni.
The fire trucks and equipment were moved after the municipality deemed the building unsafe.
Mr Lebo Mofokeng, municipal spokesperson, said the decision was made to close the fire station after firefighters were attacked in the fire station one evening.
“The safety of our firefighters is vital, and the building just is not safe for them to work in,” Mofokeng said.
He said the building needs renovation as it is collapsing and is not safe for firefighters to use it.
Since the fire station was closed down, three incidents, of which two were tragic, followed.
On November 1, 2023, four people burned to death in the crash that happened just before 02:00 in the morning between Ga-Nala and Thubelihle.
An Audi was flung into an oncoming truck when the driver of a Polo tried to overtake it.
On February 2, 2024, a house burned down in Wintergreen Street.
On April 16, 2024, a man burned to death in a rented room on Oribi Street.
“We will hold the mayor responsible if anyone dies in another housefire,” said Edwin Nel, a resident in Ga-Nala at the community meeting held on February 12.
In the municipal fleet three fire engines, a rescue vehicle, and a skit unit are out of operation.
The municipality is looking for collaboration from entities to procure three fire engines, four fire water tankers, three skit units, four rescue vehicles, four medium fire engines, and four Hazmat vehicles.
Lebo Mofokeng, municipal spokesperson said there is no update on the fire station situation.
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WTBANK NEWS again visited the fire station on Friday, June 28 to see if any maintenance was done since their last visit.
It is sad to report that nothing has been done.
The closure of the fire station left a shadow of concern in the community surrounded by farms, mines and two power stations.
The mines and power stations do have their own fire fighting unit, but it is still not clear if there is a service agreement between the entities and the municipality.
Many residents are worried about the impact on response times in the event of a fire, as the risk of veld fires increases during the dry season.
