A firefighter in the midst of an informal residential fire
Prevent a fire in your home. The City of Cape Town has noticed a 20%-increase in residential fires, over the past 12 months. At the same time, there was a decrease in fatalities. The City says vigilance in the home, especially during late night hours and over weekends, is critical.
Prevent a fire in your home
The Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith says 220 people have died in fires in 2023/24. Over the same period, firefighters had their hands busy extinguishing 4 210 fires.
A firefighter demonstrates how to use a fire extinguisher
“The increase in residential fires points to a need for more robust education, awareness and frank conversations about fire risks,” said Smith.
Smith says informal residential fires increased by 15% year-on-year. At the same time, formal residential fires increased by 27%.
Extinguishing 4 210 fires
Between January and June 2024, the Fire & Rescue Service recorded 105 fatalities linked to structural fires.
He added, “Fire safety in the home requires planning and buy-in from everyone who lives under a particular roof.”
A firefighter in an informal residential fire
A breakdown of the statistics shows that:
· 80% of fatalities occurred over weekends, between Saturday and Monday
· 74% occurred between midnight and 06:00
· 56% of victims were adult males
Smith elaborated, “The prospect of anything happening to your home or your loved ones is not the kind of conversation that too many of us want to have, but ultimately, that can be the difference between life and death.”
A demonstration of how sand can prevent candles from causing fires
“These statistics are not new, but they serve as a stark reminder that many fires are the result of negligence, tied to alcohol abuse, and often with devastating consequences,” he further stated.
Smith asks that residents save the Public Emergency Communication Centre’s number on their cellphone, in case of an emergency. The number is 021 480 7700.
Smith concluded, “These dangers have been highlighted time and again, but it bears repeating – if you are going to drink or use drugs, stay away from anything that is flammable, whether cooking or using candles for lighting, or even smoking a cigarette – especially in bed.”
Merentia joined the media world in 1996 and in 2001, she took her first steps in the broadcasting world. In her free time, she likes to go on adventures in the city. She also likes to learn new dances, not that she is any good at that.
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