WHAT DOES THE ETHEKWINI EMERGENCY SERVICES FIRE DO?
Saves lives, property and helps communities by:
  • Extinguishing fires.
  • Rescuing people and animals from danger.
  • Preventing fires and associated dangerous conditions.
  • Assisting in preventing further loss after emergencies
WHAT TO DO WHEN A FIRE STARTS. 
  • Get out of the structure on fire.
  • Call the fire brigade (031 361 0000).
  • Do not go back into the structure.
  • Wait for the arrival of the fire brigade and direct them to the fire.
  • Attempt to extinguish the fire if you can do safely – DONT put yourself at risk.
HOW DO YOU DESCRIBE YOUR HOUSE ADDRESS
Speak slowly and clearly and tell the operator:
  • What is burning.
  • Your address: town/suburb/street/house number/cross road and well known features such as schools, churches, shopping centres, police stations.
  • Whether anyone has been burnt or injured
WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE BURNT?
  • If your clothes fire: Stop running, drop to the ground, and roll on the ground.
  • How to treat a burn injury: Apply cold water to the entire burnt area and if possible put the burnt area under water.
  • Get medical help
WHY DO FIRES START?
  • People usually start fires – mostly by accident!
  • Keep heat sources (heaters, candles, stoves, cooking fires, matches) away from combustible materials (bedding, clothes, curtains, cushions, carpets, paraffin, gas).
  • Overloading electrical circuits or appliances.
  • Faulty electrical circuits or appliances.
  • Food left on the stove unattended.
  • Improper use of flammable liquids, gas.
  • Candles and paraffin stoves being knocked over.