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19 July 2024
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Recent challenges faced by the Mangaung Fire and Rescue Services
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In the midst of ongoing shortages in manpower and operational vehicles, the Mangaung Fire Department has encountered additional significant challenges over the past two weeks. Braam van Zyl of the Mangaung Fire Department, said, “ A staff member unexpectedly died, five staff members were involved in a serious accident, which resulted in hospitalisation for IOD and extensive damage to a fire engine. Furthermore, during this period, a drastic increase in number of call outs for fire, rescue and humanitarian aid was experienced that placed additional pressure on existing services. These events have further strained their resources and capabilities.”
Van Zyl added, “Firefighter Dominic Turner passed away on Tuesday, 2 July 2024, due to natural causes. He was laid to rest on Saturday, 13 July 2024.”
“On Saturday, 6 July 2024, four staff members from Botshabelo Fire Station were injured in a vehicle accident while en route to a house fire. The driver swerved to avoid a taxi, lost control of the fire engine and collided with a parked vehicle, which fortunately was unoccupied. The accident resulted in hospitalisation for the injured staff and extensive damage to the fire engine”, said Van Zyl.
He added, “On Thursday, 11 July 2024, a firefighter collapsed due to heat exhaustion while tackling a house fire. Additionally, three members of the public required medical treatment for smoke inhalation.”
“South Africa has been experiencing various cold fronts, leading to distinct challenges in different regions. While Cape Town faced floods, the Free State experienced below-zero temperatures and strong winds, contributing to:
Various house fires in both formal and informal housing sectors.
Runaway veld and grass fires.
Damage due to blowing off of roofs and falling trees.
Multiple motor vehicle accidents requiring rescue operations.”
“One such accident on Thursday, 11 July 2024, involved five heavy-duty trucks and one sedan on the N1, 70km from Bloemfontein whilst fire fighters were simultaneous dealing with the above mentioned house fire. Moreover, on Saturday, 7 July 2024, the Fire Brigade responded to a fire at the National District Hospital, necessitating the evacuation of 83 patients. The fire began with a tree outside the hospital and quickly spread to the ground, first and second floors. Flames were already visible on all three floors upon arrival of the Fire Brigade, demanding extensive efforts to manage the situation, including locating oxygen closure valves in the old building erected in 1933.”
“The Mangaung Fire Department has faced significant setbacks due to recent tragic events, severe weather conditions and increased operational demands. Despite these challenges, the Mangaung Fire Department remains hopeful. The five injured colleagues are expected to resume duty within the next week and there is a good chance that the damaged fire engine will be repaired. The organisation remains resilient about overcoming future challenges and continuing to serve the community effectively”, concluded Van Zyl.
Our deepest condolences to Firefighter Dominic Turner’s family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time. We also wish a speedy recovery to the firefighters in hospital after the fire engine accident. From Fire and Rescue International.
Photos 1 to 4: Firefighter Dominic Turner Funeral Service
Photos 5 to 10: Botshabelo Fire Station crew injured in fire engine accident
Source: Braam van Zyl, Mangaung Fire Department
Van Zyl added, “Firefighter Dominic Turner passed away on Tuesday, 2 July 2024, due to natural causes. He was laid to rest on Saturday, 13 July 2024.”
“On Saturday, 6 July 2024, four staff members from Botshabelo Fire Station were injured in a vehicle accident while en route to a house fire. The driver swerved to avoid a taxi, lost control of the fire engine and collided with a parked vehicle, which fortunately was unoccupied. The accident resulted in hospitalisation for the injured staff and extensive damage to the fire engine”, said Van Zyl.
He added, “On Thursday, 11 July 2024, a firefighter collapsed due to heat exhaustion while tackling a house fire. Additionally, three members of the public required medical treatment for smoke inhalation.”
“South Africa has been experiencing various cold fronts, leading to distinct challenges in different regions. While Cape Town faced floods, the Free State experienced below-zero temperatures and strong winds, contributing to:
Various house fires in both formal and informal housing sectors.
Runaway veld and grass fires.
Damage due to blowing off of roofs and falling trees.
Multiple motor vehicle accidents requiring rescue operations.”
“One such accident on Thursday, 11 July 2024, involved five heavy-duty trucks and one sedan on the N1, 70km from Bloemfontein whilst fire fighters were simultaneous dealing with the above mentioned house fire. Moreover, on Saturday, 7 July 2024, the Fire Brigade responded to a fire at the National District Hospital, necessitating the evacuation of 83 patients. The fire began with a tree outside the hospital and quickly spread to the ground, first and second floors. Flames were already visible on all three floors upon arrival of the Fire Brigade, demanding extensive efforts to manage the situation, including locating oxygen closure valves in the old building erected in 1933.”
“The Mangaung Fire Department has faced significant setbacks due to recent tragic events, severe weather conditions and increased operational demands. Despite these challenges, the Mangaung Fire Department remains hopeful. The five injured colleagues are expected to resume duty within the next week and there is a good chance that the damaged fire engine will be repaired. The organisation remains resilient about overcoming future challenges and continuing to serve the community effectively”, concluded Van Zyl.
Our deepest condolences to Firefighter Dominic Turner’s family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time. We also wish a speedy recovery to the firefighters in hospital after the fire engine accident. From Fire and Rescue International.
Photos 1 to 4: Firefighter Dominic Turner Funeral Service
Photos 5 to 10: Botshabelo Fire Station crew injured in fire engine accident
Source: Braam van Zyl, Mangaung Fire Department
