22 Apr 2013

About 94 per cent of fires that claim lives are accidental and could be avoided.

"Only if people knew what and what not to do when a fire starts," fire fighter officer, Mr Lingani Maphorisa said this during the Central District Council Fire Exposition 2013 held in Tonota Sub district council on April 20.

He noted that records have prompted them to educate and give public hints about how to handle different types of fire.

The four main types of fire include those caused by petrol, gases, ones that can be extinguished by sand without water, as well as fire that can be put out by water.

 In most instances, he said, people run for a bucket of water whenever fire erupts.

 "People do not take into consideration the fact that a spill of water can make fire flames get out of control more especially if caused by petrol."

And this, he said were some of the reasons they decided to demonstrate such services to people so that they know what to do in cases of fire.

He also encouraged people to purchase fire extinguishers.

Mr Maphorisa also highlighted that although people are usually victims of fire, they are also the culprits and also cause those fires.

He made a plea to the parents to disallow their children to play with firelighters and matches because they are sources of fire.

He further called on participants to exercise caution when placing candles during power cuts or during their normal day usages and stressed that they should not place them closer to window curtains.

Mr Roni Mathape who presented on dangers associated with fire, explained that smoke inhalation kills first before the actual fire. 

Mr Mathape said that when a person inhales carbon monoxide from smoke for about 2 minutes, he/she collapses because it is a toxic  gas.

He therefore advised people to take a crawling position when a fire starts because smoke usually ascends during fire breakout making it easier for a person to survive while awaiting assistance.

MP for Tonota South, Mr Pono Moatlhodi appreciated the efforts made by the fire department and sensitising the public on precautions to take.

He suggested that educational talks be taken to wards in the district to reach more people. ENDS