March 28, 2024
New fire truck for local brigade – News24

New fire truck for local brigade – News24

One new fire truck priced at more than R6 million has been handed over to Mitchell’s Plain fire station as part of their fleet.

The Mitchell’s Plain Fire Station will boast some new fire trucks, thanks to the introduction of a new fleet to the City of Cape Town’s department.

Mitchell’s Plain, along with fire stations in Bellville, Goodwood, Belhar, Epping and Brooklyn received new trucks as part of the first batch acquired by the City in a new design by Marcé Fire Fighting Technologies. This takes the City’s overall tally of ground and aerial firefighting and rescue appliances to 191.

Costing R6,5 million each, Mitchell’s Plain received one new truck to add to their fleet.

Jermaine Carelse, spokesperson for the City’s Fire and Rescue services, says the truck was unveiled on Monday 30 May.

“Mitchell’s Plain services not only areas such as Westridge, Portlands, Woodlands, Eastridge, Tafelsig, Strandfontein, Philippi, but can be called to assist in other Districts such as Lakeside, Ottery, Khayelitsha, Gugulethu, etc,” says Carelse. “Our dedicated team of firefighters are equipped to service the entire area within the boundaries of the City of Cape Town. On occasions we have been asked to assist our neighbouring municipalities.”

Mitchell’s Plain station was on the list of fire stations where the replacement of older fleet vehicles were recognised, says Carelse. “These newer fire appliances will last for a long time.”

With the City constantly growing and evolving, Mayco member for safety and security JP Smith says this adds to their responsibility to ensure residents’ safety.

“The bigger your fleet, the more nimble your response when it really counts. But also, the incremental improvements that these new vehicles bring, could shave crucial minutes off active firefighting efforts, which means less damage to property, and more importantly, lives saved,” he says.

A key feature of the new vehicles is the cabin, which is far more spacious than anything else currently in the fleet.

All seats, except the driver’s seat, are fitted with a breathing apparatus kit, allowing quick access and fitment of BAs when a crew is on route to a scene.

In addition, the trucks also come with improved water cannons that allow firefighting to happen from the vehicle, particularly in instances of warehouse or multi-storey fires. The vehicles are also fitted with LED lights along the sides and back, to illuminate the immediate surroundings and assist firefighters in executing their duties.

The trucks were assembled in Blackheath, adding to job creation.

Smith hopes this will assist in residents taking pride in their emergency services.

“We have, in recent years, seen sustained attacks on our firefighters and other emergency and enforcement staff. A fire engine that has had its windows smashed through stoning, or hoses cut, is out of commission for weeks, if not longer, which means one fewer fire engine to respond to an emergency. A fire crew that has to wait to enter an area until an enforcement escort arrives, means a slower response time to your emergency, and increases the risk of lives or property lost,” he says.

“So as we appreciate these fine new firefighting appliances that the City is proud to add to its fleet, let’s also take a moment as a society to reflect on our duty and responsibility to the many uniformed staff who sacrifice their time and risk their lives for us on a daily basis.”

Source: https://www.news24.com/news24/southafrica/local/peoples-post/new-fire-truck-for-local-brigade-20220606