New look for Thembalethu Fire Station

GEORGE NEWS - Thembalethu Fire Station received a facelift with brand-new see-through doors.

The signature red that the doors are framed with pays homage to the firefighters and the department whose main colour of recognition is red.

The cost of the upgrade was about R450 000 and included new engine room (garage) doors, the removal of tiles in the engine room, the painting and replacement of gutters and facia boards, new aluminium windows, roof leak repairs as well as paving.

Thembalethu Fire Station was the first fire station built after the George Fire station was established. It houses up to four firefighters at any given time and is the primary response for Thembalethu, Pacaltsdorp, Conville, Le Vallia and the industrial areas, and serves as a backup for the rest of the George jurisdiction.

The upgrade is part of the systematic upgrade of all the stations serving George. After the completion of the newly built Wilderness Fire Station in 2021, the George Fire Station was upgraded and now it was Thembalethu Fire Station's turn.

Before: The fire station could have been easily mistaken for an industrial building as it had no identifying markings.

George Fire Chief Neels Barnard said they believe that a professional-looking facility increases confidence in their services among the community.

"We want residents to know that we care about all of our stations equally and that the upgrade is not just for our staff, but so that the community can receive a professional service from the fire department," he said.

"We strive for consistency in our appearance and that is why you will see that Thembalethu also sports the beautiful red doors which has become a trademark of George fire stations. Some of the other upgrades are simply due to needed repairs and maintenance such as the leaking roofs and floors that needed to be replaced."

Barnard said these upgrades are to ensure that the firefighters have a functional base from where they can perform their duties.

After: This is more like it! No mistaking now that the building is a fire station.