Wilderness vehicle fire raises concerns over emergency response time and first aid

GEORGE NEWS - Conflicting accounts have emerged about the emergency response to a vehicle fire in Wilderness on Thursday 8 October. Residents reported delays and a lack of first-aid equipment, while George Municipality maintains firefighters arrived nine minutes after receiving the emergency call.

The incident occurred in 6th Avenue, about 1km, or a three-minute drive, from the Wilderness fire station.

A resident reported several unsuccessful attempts to contact the fire department on its emergency number, 044 801 6311, before reaching emergency services on 044 801 6300, the after-hours number. Residents estimated that firefighters arrived 20 to 30 minutes after they began seeking assistance.

Vehicle owner Graham White said he was overlooking the beach, about 50m from his car, when he noticed what he initially thought was mist. Realising it was smoke, he rushed to his vehicle.

He opened the boot, retrieved his paraglider and attempted to extinguish flames coming from the passenger seat. The intense heat forced him to retreat.

White sustained burns to his arm and hand, which remained bandaged nearly two weeks later.

White looks at the fire damage to his vehicle. Photo: Jeff Ayliffe

He said firefighters were asked for a first-aid kit, but none was made available. Tracey Pretorious of Wilderness Dunes subsequently arranged first-aid supplies and attended to his injuries.

White said he was grateful firefighters extinguished the blaze before it reached the petrol tank. He feared the fire could have spread further, particularly as a nearby tree had already started burning.

The uninsured vehicle was destroyed. White suspects a lithium battery-powered device stored beneath the seat may have caused the fire, although this remains unconfirmed.

Municipality comments

Johan Brand, divisional commander of George Municipality’s Fire and Rescue Services, said the emergency call was received at 10:59. Electronic records show firefighters departed Wilderness Fire Station at 11:01 and arrived at 11:08.

According to Brand, firefighters reported that White indicated he was not injured and showed no visible signs of burns. First aid was therefore not administered, and an ambulance was cancelled at White’s request.

The municipality did not explain why earlier calls allegedly went unanswered or confirm whether a first-aid kit was available.

The municipality confirmed that its 24-hour fire emergency number is 044 801 6311, with 044 801 6300 available after hours.