GEORGE NEWS - George Fire Department Mission: To serve our community by providing an effective emergency response service and quality prevention and education programmes that will minimise the loss of life and property resulting from fires and other emergencies.
Operational:
The Fire Department in collaboration with various role players, including the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) and CapeNature, is implementing strategies regarding wildland fire safety.
Fuel reduction and ecological controlled burns will be conducted to create firebreaks and reduce risks. The current focus is on the northern and eastern urban interface.
Controlled burns require very specific weather conditions, and the public will be informed at short notice that a burn is taking place.
Public education programmes
The public education programmes will resume once the Covid-19 state of disaster has been lifted. Schools are invited to contact the fire department to inquire about the different services available.
Disaster management
The disaster management section is currently reviewing all contingency and preparedness plans for the various disaster scenarios by updating information, evaluating the effectiveness, and ensuring that the George Municipality is adequately prepared for any disaster.
Who to call:
FIRE EMERGENCIES: 044 801 6311
For public education, station visits and general inquiries: Edith Booysen on 044 801 6360
For fire prevention and any other emergency related to George Municipal services: 044 801 6300.
Fire prevention
The fire prevention section, in collaboration with the police and other authorities, is conducting operations to ensure compliance at businesses and shops regarding all legislative requirements including fire safety, building plans, trading and gas installations.
The fire prevention section continues with the following services:
• Approve fire safety plans for all new building plan applications
• Issue fire safety certificates
• Issue flammable substance certificate
• Issue burning permits
• Issue population certificate for events
• Issue notices for landowners for firebreaks
Fireworks
• The public is reminded that the setting off of fireworks, without the proper authorisation, is illegal. Without the necessary certificate, the storage of fireworks violates the George Municipality by-law and can negatively influence your insurance policy.
• The public is encouraged to report all sales of fireworks to law enforcement for immediate action: 044 801 6350
Things you need to know:
- Fire emergency ONLY: 044 801 6311
- The setting off of fireworks without the necessary permits is illegal.
- Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) installations of more than 38kg require a flammable substance certificate from the fire department.
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