04 Oct New fire station tackles blaze

In mid-September the city of Cape Town opened its 32^nd fire station – Sir Lowry’s Pass – and just weeks later its skilled team and equipment were put to the test.

On the 29^th September a fire broke about just after lunchtime on Horseshoe Bend on Sir Lowry’s Pass. Thanks to the strong Cape winds, the fire quickly spread uncontrollably across the N2 highway.

The new team leapt into action and quickly started work to extinguish the blaze. They were joined shortly afterwards by additional resources from other local stations. In total six motor pumps were on the scene assisting with the fire, with additional water tankers from the Strand and Belhar fire stations. Three further tankers turned up to assist but as the fire had already been extinguished their services were not required.

Mayoral committee member for safety and security, alderman JP Smith , said: “The City has continuously invested in our infrastructure and with the addition of Sir Lowry’s Pass fire station and Kommetjie fire station earlier this year, it takes our full compliment now up to 32 fire stations across our municipality.”

The new Sir Lowry’s Pass fire station covers locations including Riemvasmaak, Uitkyk informal settlement and Rasta Camp Nomzamo, Lwandle, Sir Lowry’s Pass and Chris Nissen Park up to the eastern boundary between the Gordon’s Bay and Grabouw. It currently has seven firefighters per shift on duty, with additional seasonal firefighters during the summer months. Its engine room has one fire truck and a support vehicle plus there’s a 24-hour medical room available to help treat and stabilise any injuries before transportation to hospital.