THE Mid-Karoo Express recently visited the Middelburg Fire Brigade to meet the town’s three enthusiastic, well-trained firefighters.
For Jayson Merrington, Athenkosi Katise and Phumeza Ngxalambiso, being a firefighter is not a job, it’s a passion.
When they are not out and about checking fire hydrants for functionality or doing maintenance on the truck, they do in-house training to prepare for various possible situations.
To keep fit, they exercise by handling their heavy equipment, or go running at the local sports field.
Ngxalambiso says they present a fire awareness programme at schools, creches and other institutions. “Children often hide under a bed or inside a cupboard when a fire breaks out. We teach them how to get to safety and avoid injury when a fire breaks out.”
She added, with a twinkle in her eyes, that it was fun to watch the children’s amazement when they watched a demonstration of a safety drill, or got to look at the shiny fire engine.
Ngxalambiso said she loved the action and adventure, and she didn’t expect to be treated differently by her colleagues. Her mother, however, constantly reminded them to take good care of her!
Though small in stature, Ngxalambiso takes turns with her colleagues to get behind the steering wheel of the heavy fire engine.
“We are a small team, and therefore we must all be able to handle any situation that may arise,” she says.
Merrington, who did not only train in Cradock, but previously received extensive firefighting training in Welkom, said he always wanted to be a firefighter.
He said it was important to keep communication channels open between the fire brigade and local police station, so that they could work together effectively during an emergency.
They also notified the Chris Hani District Municipality when a fire hydrant needed maintenance work.
“It is crucial for the hydrants to be accessible and in working condition, so we can have access to strong water in an emergency.
“We are lucky to have a good fire hydrant system, although Midros could do with some more.”