On numerous occasions the local fire and rescue services have pleaded with the public to report fires swiftly, with as much detail as possible. In a follow-up this week, the commander of the Drakenstein Farm Watch (DFW) gives advice on what residents should do when a fire breaks out.
Daan van Leeuwen Boomkamp of the DFW asks residents to act fast and alert emergency services the moment they see a fire. “The reporting of fires cannot be fast enough,” he said. “A fire doubles in size every 30 seconds; so time is a precious commodity.”
The DFW has a WhatsApp emergency line, radio line and Zello line for all its responders, members and even members of the wider public.
Anyone can send a message or speak to the operator by phoning the number 086 066 6662, or via radio channel to communicate details accurately.
When reporting a fire, it’s important to:.Be accurate..Give the correct and exact address..Explain the circumstances: What is burning? Are any people injured? What is in close range of the fire that can be destroyed? “This helps any emergency services to fine-tune their response in terms of appropriate resources and immediate necessary response,” Van Leeuwen Boomkamp explained.
To report a fire to DFW via WhatsApp send three separate messages, containing:
1. A pin location or detailed address.
2. A picture of the fire.
3. What is happening (the kind of fire, injuries and further dangers).
Van Leeuwen Boomkamp says the DFW control room will inform the Drakenstein Fire Department and/or emergency services of the incident. “Together we are stronger,” he said. The Drakenstein Fire Department direct number is 021 872 2323.
