The City’s Fire and Rescue Service has added six new fire trucks, each costing R6.5 million, to its fleet.
Last year, the City added 19 new vehicles to its fleet and the latest arrivals bring to 191 the number of ground and aerial firefighting and rescue appliances at the City’s disposal.
The new fire trucks are the first batch in a new design by Marcé Fire Fighting Technologies.
“It’s a proud moment for our fire service as the vehicles were assembled in Blackheath, so there is a local manufacturing component and job creation right here in Cape Town, for Cape Town,” said mayoral committee member for safety and security JP Smith.
The bigger the fleet, the more nimble its response when it really counted, he said.
“The incremental improvements that these new vehicles bring could shave crucial minutes off active firefighting efforts, which means less damage to property and, more importantly, lives saved.”
The new trucks are fitted with LED lights along the sides and backs to illuminate the immediate surroundings. Each vehicle has a spacious cabin and all seats, except the driver’s seat, are fitted with a breathing apparatus kit, allowing quick access and fitment.
Mr Smith said attacks on firefighters and their vehicles had a knock-on effect on response times.
“A fire engine that has had its windows smashed through stoning, or hoses cut, is out of commission for weeks, if not longer, which means one fewer fire engine to respond to an emergency.
“So as we appreciate these fine new firefighting appliances that the City is proud to add to its fleet. Let’s also take a moment as a society to reflect on our duty and responsibility to the many uniformed staff who sacrifice their time and risk their lives for us on a daily basis.”
The trucks will be stationed at Bellville, Goodwood, Belhar, Epping, Brooklyn and Mitchell’s Plain fire stations.