GEORGE NEWS - A fire in Thembalethu yesterday afternoon destroyed eight structures, which brings the total number of informal structures burnt down for July throughout George to 33.
"The call for the fire yesterday afternoon came in at 14:58 and the fire brigade was on the scene at 15:03," said municipal spokesperson Chantèl Edwards. The homes of 33 people have been destroyed.
Residents living in informal settlements should heed the following tips for fire safety, as provided by the Western Cape Provincial Government:
• Make sure that all stoves are on a stable surface to prevent them from falling over.
• Keep a bucket with water handy to extinguish small fires when they start.
• Make sure all candles are placed in a safe candleholder, away from burning material. Cut long candles in half to prevent it falling over.
• Build dwellings at least 3m apart to prevent fires from spreading rapidly. The open space around the home must also be kept clear.
• Always have a bucket of sand nearby when using a paraffin appliance. Water will not put out a paraffin fire and can make matters worse by spreading the flames. Paraffin fires can only be extinguished using sand or a fire extinguisher.
• Ensure that there is enough ventilation when cooking food on open flames inside your dwelling.
Follow these tips to keep your home safe from fire.
• Discard cigarettes in a safe container and ensure they are completely put out.
• All open fires must be extinguished before you leave the area or go to sleep.
• Take special care when using gas appliances to cook food. The cylinders must be in a good condition and tested regularly for any leaks that might cause a fire or an explosion.
• Never leave a brazing or coal fire overnight inside the house, as this could cause breathing difficulties.
• Never lock your door from the inside using a padlock; instead use a shooter for easy unlocking should a fire occur.
• Be aware of the dangers of illegal and faulty electrical connections. Any electrical connection must be installed by an accredited electrician.
• Keep roads and the access to dwellings clear at all times so that emergency vehicles can move around easily.
• Do not prevent or disrupt emergency personnel when they attend to incidents, as they are there to save lives and prevent the destruction of property.
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