Working on Fire urges communities to be safe

GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - Although the 2019/2020 summer fire season in the Western Cape has come and gone, the winter marks the time when many people fall victim to destructive home fires in a bid to stay warm.

As school closure has been extended and children are at home, Working On Fire is appealing to parents to ensure that their offspring do not start unnecessary fires.

The warning is part of a community fire awareness campaign aimed at teaching residents how to be #FireSafe, prevent unwanted veld and forest fires, and to empower people to reduce the risk and impact of fires in their communities.

“During the winter months, we educate and empower communities to practice safety measures. The majority of fires are due to human negligence when using heating equipment and also incorrect use of candles.

"People must also ensure that they have the contact details of their local fire authorities at hand should there be an emergency,” said Rayganah Rhoda, WOF’s community fire awareness officer.

“Under normal circumstances, Working on Fire firefighters and fire awareness officers would visit schools and communities in fire-prone areas spreading messages of fire safety and demonstrating how to prevent fires. However due to Covid-19, we make use of social media platforms and the mainstream media to spread our message of safety.”