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16 August 2024
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George Fire crews respond to large fire at Conville storage facility
The George Fire Department crews responded to fire at a large storage facility in Conville on Thursday, 8 August 2024. The fire broke at the large storage facility of retail and grocery products, George Fire Department’s Divisional Commander Johan Brand, reported that he was the incident commander, with Station Commander J Crouse as second IC and together with operational shift officer, Platoon Commander S Fisher, were on scene. “Two buildings that are separated by an alley were involved but the cause of the fires in the two separate buildings is unknown”, said DC Brand.
“Our response included four major pumpers and two tankers from George Main Fire Station, Wilderness Fire Station as well as Thembalethu Fire Station, respectively. Two bush tankers from Garden Route District Municipality also assisted at a later stage”, added DC Brand.
He said, “Firefighting efforts was conducted form the Noth, East, South and the West side of the building complex in an effort to contain the fire and stop it from spreading to adjacent properties. Firefighting teams managed to contain the fire and stop it from spreading to the main retail shop on the East side of the complex and also managed to safe the large storage area at the South side of the complex. Our main concern was the fire spreading to the sawmill that is bordering on the West side of the complex but our teams also manged to contain the fire on that side and consequently contained the entire fire, inside of the boundaries of the complex.”
“The call came in at 01h56 on 8 August 2024 and the final containment of the fire was at approximately 09h00 where the fire was prevented from spreading to the sawmill. The fire was completely extinguished and declared safe on 10 August 2024 at approximately 10h00.”
“A minor injury of smoke contaminated eyes was reported but the building sustained major structural damage and will most probably be demolished and rebuilt.”
“Challenges faced: Building was occupied by foreigners and fire safety was not a concern to them, consequently stacking and storage standards was completely disregarded. This made firefighting efforts extremely difficult and obviously dangerous. Several gas containers form small propane canisters to 45kg LPG cylinders was involved but with a lot of mercy from our heavenly Father, no explosions occurred,” DC Brand concluded.
Source: Divisional Commander Johan Brand, George Fire Department
“Our response included four major pumpers and two tankers from George Main Fire Station, Wilderness Fire Station as well as Thembalethu Fire Station, respectively. Two bush tankers from Garden Route District Municipality also assisted at a later stage”, added DC Brand.
He said, “Firefighting efforts was conducted form the Noth, East, South and the West side of the building complex in an effort to contain the fire and stop it from spreading to adjacent properties. Firefighting teams managed to contain the fire and stop it from spreading to the main retail shop on the East side of the complex and also managed to safe the large storage area at the South side of the complex. Our main concern was the fire spreading to the sawmill that is bordering on the West side of the complex but our teams also manged to contain the fire on that side and consequently contained the entire fire, inside of the boundaries of the complex.”
“The call came in at 01h56 on 8 August 2024 and the final containment of the fire was at approximately 09h00 where the fire was prevented from spreading to the sawmill. The fire was completely extinguished and declared safe on 10 August 2024 at approximately 10h00.”
“A minor injury of smoke contaminated eyes was reported but the building sustained major structural damage and will most probably be demolished and rebuilt.”
“Challenges faced: Building was occupied by foreigners and fire safety was not a concern to them, consequently stacking and storage standards was completely disregarded. This made firefighting efforts extremely difficult and obviously dangerous. Several gas containers form small propane canisters to 45kg LPG cylinders was involved but with a lot of mercy from our heavenly Father, no explosions occurred,” DC Brand concluded.
Source: Divisional Commander Johan Brand, George Fire Department
