Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality completes final phase of the installation of Smoke Detection Devices in Rheenendal

For immediate release
11 November 2024

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), in partnership with the Knysna Municipality, today (11 November 2024) completed the installation of over 60 smoke detectors in homes within the Rheenendal community near Knysna. This marks the final phase of the project to install almost 500 smoke detectors in the area.

The detectors were installed by firefighters with councillors fulfilling an oversight role. Firefighters, while installing the devices, also educated home-owners about the use of the devices.

The team of  firefighters ready to install the smoke detectors at dwellings situated in the Rheenendal area.

Smoke detectors, or smoke alarms, are devices designed to sense smoke and emit an audible or visual alert to warn of a fire.

Today’s installations covered the following areas within Rheenendal:

• Monkey Valley (9 homes)
• Soccer Valley (9 homes)
• Lapland (18 homes)
• Pine Valley (3 homes)
• Busy Corner (5 homes)
• Uitsig Section 5 (2 homes)
• Uitsig Sections 1, 2, 3, and Honey Valley (15 homes combined)
• Hou my nat (2 homes)

The project has been supported by Cllr Hoogbaard, the Portfolio Chairperson for Community Services at GRDM, Cllr Hilton Stroebel, Knysna and GRDM Councillor, Deon Stoffels, GRDM’s Chief Fire Officer, Marthina Tieties, Community Facilitator from Asivikelane representing the Rheenendal community, as well as GRDM firefighters and officials who all formed part of the installations.

During his address as part of the formal programme, Cllr Hoogbaard said: “The installation of smoke alarms in informal dwellings is a critical step towards preventing fire-related tragedies and promoting a culture of fire safety. This project aligns perfectly with our municipality’s goals of providing a safe and healthy environment for all”.

Hoogbaard further commended the project’s organisers for their proactive approach to addressing this pressing need. “The partnership between GRDM, Knysna Municipality, the Provincial Government, as well as the community, demonstrates our collective commitment to improving the quality of life for our most vulnerable residents,” he added.

The project’s objectives include:

• Reducing fire-related deaths, injuries, and property damage;
• Educating residents on the importance of smoke alarm installation and maintenance;
• Assisting residents in developing and practicing home fire escape plans;
• Helping municipalities comply with legislative requirements under the Municipal Structures Act, Disaster Management Act, and Fire Brigade Services Act;
• Enhancing relations between the community and local fire departments.

Smoke detectors installed at various dwellings within the Rheenendal area.

Early detection of home fires is crucial for reducing fatalities and injuries. Fires can smoulder before igniting into flames, often releasing toxic gases that cause suffocation – the main cause of fire-related deaths. Smoke can disorient or incapacitate people quickly, especially during sleep, as studies show that the smell of smoke does not wake people. Detecting a fire early, while it is still smouldering, allows time for safe evacuation, and reduces the risk of suffocation.

GRDM therefore remains dedicated to enhancing fire safety for communities within the Garden Route.

ENDS