Handle fires responsiby and safely

The CoE warns residents about winter-related fire incidents, and calls for safe handling of fires for heating and cooking.

Cold weather conditions increase the likelihood of using open fires such as burning wood and braziers for heating and cooking which can be deadly when used in unventilated spaces.

Open fires emit greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane which displace oxygen in the atmosphere and may lead to suffocation.

Reckless disposal of cigarette butts, mainly by motorists, is also a leading cause of veld fires. The combination of dry grass and windy weather conditions makes it easier for the fire to spread rapidly, resulting in damage to property, killing of livestock, destruction of natural vegetation and loss of human lives in extreme circumstances.

Fires that are started negligently stretch the city’s emergency management resources unnecessarily, and deny the city’s customers quicker response time which increases the risk of loss, injuries and deaths.

Residents are encouraged to call the city’s emergency services in case of fires on 011 458 0911.