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Fire Fighting

2 December 2025 Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality Firefighters ready and on standby for holiday season

Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality Firefighters ready and on standby for holiday season

2 December 2025

Due to the region’s high-risk summer fire season, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) has enhanced its firefighting capacity.

“We’ve already noted the extremely dry vegetation, coupled with lower than usual rainfall and declining dam levels, and persistent hot and windy conditions. It is for this reason that the GRDM Firefighters have again increased their operational readiness across the district,” said Deon Stoffels, Chief Fire Officer.

According to Executive Mayor Marais Kruger, “the GRDM employs 32 full-time firefighters across its three fire stations located in George, Riversdale, and Ladismith. During the peak summer period, an additional 30 seasonal (temporary) firefighters are brought on board in from December 2025 until end of March 2026.”

The district’s firefighting fleet is equipped to respond rapidly across diverse and often challenging terrains. Resources include:

  • 4×4 off-road LDV skid units designed for rugged terrain and first-response deployment.
  • 4×4 off-road fire trucks for mountain and veld firefighting.
  • Water tankers to support operations in water-scarce areas or in locations where hydrants are unavailable.

GRDM also has a chemical fire (otherwise known as hazmat) responsibility and has a fully equipped hazmat response unit at its regional station. Additionally, a first response equipped mobile trailers at the Riversdale station and at the Knysna Fire Department for similar purposes in the Bitou and Knysna area. The procurement process is in an advanced stage for a 3rd First Response mobile trailer for the Kannaland and Oudtshoorn areas.

Aerial resources for first hour deployment to high-risk fires, are funded through the Western Cape Government’s Fire and Rescue Services and Disaster Management Directorate as well as from the Department Forestry’s, Fisheries, and the Environment. Five aircraft is planned for this purpose, and will be positioned at Denneoord, comprising of Command-and-Control aircraft, helicopters and a fixed-wing bomber plane. Additionally, ad-hoc resources are stationed at George Airport, and Still Bay, comprising of a bomber plane and helicopter respectively.

GRDM Firefighters maintain round-the-clock readiness. All three stations operate 24/7, with Riversdale and Ladismith functioning on an after-hours standby system.

GRDM’s Mandate

  • Veld and mountain fires.
  • Chemical and hazardous materials incidents.
  • Support during major emergencies through Mutual Aid Agreements with all municipalities, including with PetroSA.

Within Kannaland, GRDM performs the full firefighting function, including:

  • Structural fires.
  • Motor vehicle incident response.
  • Hazardous materials.
  • Highly prevalent snake removal call-outs during summer.

The following fire safety measures are essential for residents, businesses, and visitors:

  • Protect homes and structures by maintaining a safe, clear, defendable space.
  • Fires can be reduced by reducing the burn of materials that are flammable, such as dry wood, biomass, and excessive debris.
  • Make sure firebreaks are properly maintained and compliant.
  • Immediately report illegal burning, smoke, or suspicious activity.
  • Local municipalities issue burning permits that must be strictly adhered to. From 1 December to 28 February 2026, controlled burns are not permitted.
  • Stay informed by following official alerts and communicating with the appropriate authorities.
  • Keep outdoor braai fires supervised, ensure they are fully extinguished, and use only designated braai areas.
  • Campsite and resort owners must enforce strict oversight of visitor braai fires.

For emergencies, residents are encouraged to contact their local fire station or the GRDM Emergency Call Centre on 044 805 5071 or WhatsApp 081 709 5193.

Feature Image: Executive Mayor, Marais Kruger and his MMC for Community Services, Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard, visited the GRDM Regional Fire Station on 1 December to touch base with the GRDM Fire Chief and to meet-and-greet the 20 newly appointed seasonal firefighters. 

ENDS

15 October 2025 Media Release: GRDM bags two awards during the 10th Toughest Firefighter South Africa Championship

GRDM bags two awards during the 10th Toughest Firefighter South Africa Championship

15 October 2025

George – The winners of various categories were announced last Saturday night following three days of the gruelling 10th Toughest Firefighter Alive (TFA) South Africa Championship, held at the Garden Route Mall in George. Firefighters and fire chiefs from across South Africa, as well as teams from Botswana and Namibia, participated in the prestigious event.

The awards ceremony which was held at the Garden Route Fire Station in George was officially opened by Councillor Jobieth Hoogbaard, Member of the Mayoral Committee responsible for Community Services and including Fire and Rescue Services. He welcomed all attendees, referring to every participant as a winner, and congratulated them on their efforts. He concluded with the event programme director’s memorable words from the first day of the competition: “𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗻𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗾𝘂𝗶𝘁.”

During a very brief keynote address, Garden Route District Municipal (GRDM) Executive Mayor Andrew Stroebel extended a special thank you to all the sponsors, his team, including the Firefighters, Communicators, Leadership and the Organising Committee. “I hope the Garden Route treated you well. Please come back with your families and enjoy our hospitality and beautiful Blue Flag beaches ,” he said.

𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿’𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀:

Aphiwe Ndukbini from Western Cape EMS Rescue Services claimed the title of Overall TFA Champion, in second place was Emile Conrad from the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Fire Services, followed by Manie Gouws from the Westrand N’zuri, who secured third place.

In a historic first for the competition, the Overall Female Champion title was shared between Baigum Abrahams and Thobeka Senatse, both representing the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services. Sweetness Qinisile from Western Cape EMS Rescue Services earned second place, while Natasha Stoltz, a volunteer with Wildfire Services, took third.

The Overall TFA Relay Open Champions are firefighters from Westrand N’zuri, who claimed first place. In second place was the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services, followed by the GRDM Fire Services in third place.

According to Mayor Stroebel, the Garden Route Council takes immense pride in its firefighters, who serve not only as ambassadors for the municipality but also as representatives of the region and South Africa on the global stage. Their dedication to health, fitness, and professional excellence embodies the true spirit of firefighting and serves as an inspiration to us all.

“Congratulations to Team Garden Route on their outstanding achievements and thank you to the public for their support throughout the event,” said Stroebel.

Two gentlemen, Andrew Burch and Faisel Dossary from Saudi Arabia, attended the three-day event as technical directors and event critics, providing expert insight and guidance to further develop the Toughest Firefighter Alive (TFA) competition in South Africa and globally. They also promoted the World Firefighters’ Games, scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia next year and hosted by Aramco. Andrew co-MC’d the event alongside our local MC and event organiser, Mickie Louw, playing a key role in keeping the crowd engaged, entertained, and informed.

John Hartley, president of the World Firefighter Games, and his wife Laura Hartley from Australia, also attended the competition, showing their support for the event and the participating firefighters.

A huge thank you also has to go out to everyone who made this event such a huge success. The event was organised by Firefighters for Excellence, Garden Route District Municipality Fire and Rescue Services, and the World Firefighter Games. It was presented in collaboration with Garden Route District Municipality, George Tourism, Garden Route Mall, and George Municipality.

The event proudly acknowledges its partners and sponsors:

  • Media Partner: Fire and Rescue International.
  • Platinum Sponsor: Industrial Fire and Hazard Control.
  • Silver Sponsors: Vanguard Fire and Safety and Ramcom Truck Load Bodies.
  • Other Sponsors: Garden Route District Municipality, Dräger, Form Scaff, FirstCare, Frontiermedix, Perfectwater, Pick n Pay, TyreMart, Henra, Kiron Pty Ltd & Project One Pty Ltd, and Design Plus.

-END-

13 October 2025 NOTICE OF PUBLIC PARTICIPATION FOR THE GARDEN ROUTE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY FIRE SAFETY BY-LAW RELATING TO VELD, MOUNTAIN, AND CHEMICAL FIRES

NOTICE OF PUBLIC PARTICIPATION FOR THE GARDEN ROUTE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY FIRE SAFETY BY-LAW RELATING TO VELD, MOUNTAIN, AND CHEMICAL FIRES.

Furthermore, the adoption of The Community Fire Safety By-law (2002) for regulation of Building Fire Protection and related activities

The Garden Route District Municipality envisage to enact a Fire Safety By-Law, relating to Veld, Mountain, and Chemical Fires. In terms of Section 156 (2) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, Act No. 108 of 1996, the Municipal Systems Act, No. 32 of 2000, and Section 16 of the Fire Brigade Services Act, 99 of 1987 the Garden Route District Municipality makes this bylaw for the effective administration of matters that it has the right to administer. As per the provisions of Sections 12 and 13 as well as sections 21 and 21A of the Municipal Systems Act, 32 of 2000, Garden Route District Municipality publish this by-law for public comment and input, prior to being gazetted.

Notice is hereby given that the Draft Garden Route District Municipality Fire Safety By-Law relating to Veld, Mountain and Chemical Fires will be available for public comment and input from 13 October 2025 to  13 November 2025. The draft Garden Route District Municipality Fire Safety By-Law will be available for viewing at the following places:

  • Garden Route District Municipality Head office, 54 York Street, George.
  • Garden Route District Municipality Fire Station, Opal Close, Tamsui Industrial.
  • George Municipality Head office, York Street, 71 York Street.
  • George Municipality Fire Station, 124 Mitchell Street.
  • Mossel Bay Municipality Head office, 101 Marsh Street.
  • Mossel Bay Municipality Fire Station, Heiderand
  • Knysna Municipality Head office, 5 Clyde Street.
  • Knysna Municipality Fire Station, Waterfront Drive, Knysna Central.
  • Buffelsnek Public Library, 6 Protea Straat, Buffelsnek, Knysna.
  • Uniondale Post Office, 48 Voortrekker Street.
  • Bitou Municipality Head office, 04 Sewell Street.
  • Bitou Municipality Fire Station, 6 Flying Cloud Drive.
  • Hessequa Municipality Head office, Civic Centre Van den Berg Street.
  • Garden Route District Municipality Sub-Fire Station, 35 Mulder Street, Riversdale.
  • Kannaland Municipality Head office, 32 Church Street.
  • Garden Route District Municipality Sub-Fire Station, 54 Van Riebeek Street.
  • Oudtshoorn Municipality Head Office, 69 Cnr. CJ Langenhoven Street & Voortrekker Road
  • Oudtshoorn Municipality Fire Station, 28 Church Street.
  • Heidelberg Post Office, 50 Van Riebeek Street.
  • 20) Garden Route District Municipality website – link: gardenroute.gov.za

The District Municipality hereby invites comments from interested and affected parties on the draft Garden Route District Municipality Fire Safety By-Law. Any comments and inputs submitted will be considered during the finalisation of the draft document for final approval and Gazetting.

Written submissions may be directed to the Municipal Manager using the following address:

Garden Route District Municipality, Municipal Manager, Monde Stratu, 54 York Street, George or P.O Box 12, George, 6530 or via email to info@gardenroute.gov.za on or before 13 November 2025.

Any person who is unable to write can submit their input verbally to the Council’s offices where they will be assisted by a staff member to put their comments in writing. Enquiries can be directed to Mr Deon Stoffels at 044 8781000 or 083 9411994 or e-mail  deon@gardenroute.gov.za

Click here to download the Provincial Gazette 10 October2025

Click here to download the MUNICIPALITY FIRE SAFETY BY-LAW RELATING TO VELD, MOUNTAIN, AND CHEMICAL FIRES

 

MG Stratu
MUNICIPAL MANAGER
GARDEN ROUTE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY  

Interview: Garden Route Faces Growing Fire Threat Amid Record Dry Conditions

Interview: Garden Route Faces Growing Fire Threat Amid Record Dry Conditions

9 October 2025

By Cobus Meiring: Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF)

In an exclusive interview by Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF), veteran firefighter Deon van Wyk, Deputy Fire Chief at the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), expressed grave concern about the region’s escalating fire risk as relentless winds and exceptionally low rainfall persist. Van Wyk has formed part of the GRDM Fire and Rescue Services Unit since 1996 and works in a team of more than 40 firefighters under the leadership of Chief Fire Officer, Deon Stoffels.

According to Van Wyk, the Southern Cape has recorded unprecedentedly low rainfall figures over the past six months, causing surface and underground water tables to drop dramatically.

“The wind blows right through the night, which is highly unusual for this region and makes fire suppression extremely challenging,” he said.

These prolonged dry and windy conditions have left the Garden Route environment tinder-dry, increasing the likelihood of runaway wildfires. Van Wyk warned that even a small ignition could rapidly develop into a large-scale fire under current conditions, and GRDM have most recently faced more than a dozen wildfires.

Adding to the concern is a sharp decline in experienced wildland fighters across the region over the past decade. “The Southern Cape is naturally fire-prone, and the situation is worsened by the vast amount of invasive alien plant biomass in the landscape,” Van Wyk explained.

“To deal effectively with this, we need a strong corps of professional firefighters trained in forward planning, maintaining fire breaks, as well as block and back-burning practices.”

“Just today, and over the last couple of weeks, prescribed burns have burned beyond control. These have raised concerns about the management and controls thereof, pointing to some of the current risks that require actions to reduce their likelihood”.

Recognising the urgency, GREF, Nelson Mandela University, Southern Cape Fire Protection Association (SCFPA), GRDM, SANParks, CapeNature, and Cold Stream Timbers have established a Fire Risk Reduction Task Team (RRTT). This collaborative platform focuses on strategic risk assessment, coordinated fire prevention planning, and awareness across both public and private land.

“The task team was created to improve regional readiness and cooperation ahead of what could be one of the toughest fire seasons in years,” said Van Wyk.

GREF urges landowners, municipalities, and residents across the Garden Route to remain vigilant, clear firebreaks, remove invasive plants, and report any signs of uncontrolled fires immediately.

GREF is a public platform for environmental managers. conservation and a climate change think-tank (www.grefecsf.co.za)

Feature image: GRDM Deputy Fire Chief, Deon van Wyk.

ENDS

 

7 October 2025 Media Release: The Toughest Firefighter Alive Championship returns to George from 9 – 11 October

Media Release: The Toughest Firefighter Alive Championship returns to George from 9 – 11 October

For Immediate Release

7 October 2025

The countdown has begun for the much-anticipated Toughest Firefighter Alive (TFA) South Africa Championship, which will be hosted from 9 to 11 October 2025 at the Garden Route Mall in George. This is the largest and most strenuous firefighter challenge hosted in South Africa.

This year’s event will see 267 firefighters, up 27 from last year, and 44 relay teams participate from across South Africa and teams from Botswana and Namibia. The event also includes a Mini-TFA and the TFA-Dräger Youth Challenge and several industry exhibits.

Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Executive Mayor Andrew Stroebel will be there to support individuals and teams, in anticipation of the upcoming 3-day event said:

“Beginning Thursday, the best of the best firefighters from across the country will test their skills with one goal in mind; to prove their strength, endurance, and teamwork. We are proud to host this prestigious and internationally known championship in George, the heart of the Garden Route, home to the most talented and dedicated firefighters.”

George Municipality Executive Mayor, Jackie von Brandis also shared her excitement about the upcoming event, saying: “This week, George will set the stage and not just host the Toughest Firefighter Alive Championship—we are proving once again why our city is the perfect stage for excellence. With 267 of South Africa’s finest firefighters, plus international competitors from Botswana and Namibia converging at the Garden Route Mall, we are demonstrating that George, the heart of the Garden Route, is where champions gather and legends are made. We couldn’t be prouder to showcase our beautiful city while celebrating the extraordinary courage of our nation’s bravest heroes.”

A special highlight of this year’s event is the participation of Chief Fire Officer Amanda Mgobozi from Astron Energy Cape Town Refinery. She is a trailblazer in the industry and a source of inspiration for young women aspiring to join the firefighting profession.

PROMINENT INTERNATIONAL GUESTS

  • John Hartley, President of the World Firefighter Games, and his wife Laura.
  • Andrew Birch, Director of Sports & Competitions for the World Firefighter Games 2026, Saudi Arabia.
  • Faisal Dossary, Sponsorship Director for the World Firefighter Games 2026, Saudi Arabia.

SPONSORS AND PARTNERS

According to Mark Smith, organiser and founder of TFA-SA, the event is organised by Firefighters for Excellence, Garden Route District Municipality Fire and Rescue Services, and the World Firefighter Games. It is presented in collaboration with Garden Route District Municipality, George Tourism, Garden Route Mall, and George Municipality.

The event proudly acknowledges its partners and sponsors:

  • Media Partner: Fire and Rescue International.
  • Platinum Sponsor: Industrial Fire and Hazard Control.
  • Silver Sponsors: Vanguard Fire and Safety and Ramcom Truck Load Bodies.
  • Other Sponsors: Garden Route District Municipality, Dräger, Form Scaff, FirstCare, Frontiermedix, Perfectwater, Pick n Pay, TyreMart, Henra, Kiron Pty Ltd & Project One Pty Ltd, and Design Plus.

WHAT TO EXPECT OVER THE THREE DAYS

Entertainment will be provided by DJ Micky Louw, who will keep the momentum alive with energetic music, engaging commentary, and a vibrant atmosphere that will keep both spectators entertained and participants motivated.

  • Day 1 (9 October): Programme opening from 08h50 – 09:45; Start of day one competition at 09h45 – 18:00.
  • Day 2 (10 October): 09:00 – 16:00 First competitors (Individuals competing); 10:00 – 14:00 TFA-Dräger Young Adults Challenge.
  • Day 3 (11 October): 09:00 – 12:00 First competitors (Individuals competing), 12:00 – 16:00 (Relays), Mini TFA (registration 09:00, starting between 09:30 and 10:00).

With the Mini Toughest Firefighter Challenge, kids can look forward to obstacle courses inspired by real firefighting drills (like crawling through tunnels, rolling hoses, and dragging dummies). Medals and gift packs will be awarded for the first 300 mini firefighters who complete the course. Parents are welcome to join in and guide their little heroes through the fun challenges

Members of the public are encouraged to attend, cheer on the competitors, and bring the whole family for an unforgettable experience of strength, skill, and spirit!

Feature Image: Emile Conrad, GRDM Snr Firefighter at the Garden Route Mall where the setup of the obstacle course already started on Monday, 6 October and is set to be completed by 8 October. 

Issued by the Garden Route District Municipality

ENDS

05 September 2025 Media Release: GRDM assists Knysna Municipality with water for the Buffalo Bay residents

Media Release: GRDM assists Knysna Municipality with water for the Buffalo Bay residents

For immediate release
05 September 2025

Last week, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Disaster Management Centre received a request from Knysna Municipality to assist with the tankering of water to residents of the Buffalo Bay area.

“The need for water developed due to the high salinity levels in the Goukamma River at the point of abstraction, about 10 kilometres up-stream from the sea,” said Gerhard Otto, Manager for Disaster Management at GRDM.  Otto explained: “These high salinity levels were a result of the combination of the following:

  • The river mouth being closed.
  • There has been very little rain for an extended period of time, therefore very little run-off reached the river from the river catchment area; and
  • Due to evaporation, the salinity of the water in the river increases day-by-day”.

The GRDM Disaster Management and Firefighting teams immediately dispatched the 10 000-litre water tanker to Sedgefield where the tanker was filled and then used to transport water to the main reservoir in Buffalo Bay. The operation was supported by a fleet of three additional tankers; two rented by Knysna Municipality from private service providers, and one made available by the Central Karoo District Municipality.

Due to the lengthy process to fill-up the tankers in Sedgefield, the GRDM reinforced the fleet with an additional 6,000-litre tanker to improve turnaround times.

While assisting in Knysna, a fire broke out in Albertinia, requiring the temporary diversion of the GRDM firefighters who had been driving the tankers. From Monday, 1 September 2025, however, the GRDM team resumed daily water deliveries to Buffalo Bay.

The GRDM is aware that the tankering of water is only a temporary solution and that the only short-term solution would be to do an emergency breaching of the Goukamma River Mouth. This process, however, does not reflect in the current Management Plan of this system,” said Otto. He added: “GRDM is in ongoing discussions with CapeNature – we received confirmation from Cape Nature that a special emergency breaching committee meeting will be scheduled for Tuesday next week, where all the latest data will be assessed to decide on a way forward”

ENDS

01 September 2025 Expanded Public Works Programme Seasonal Firefighters

Expanded Public Works Programme Seasonal Firefighters

 The EPWP of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) is offering an exciting opportunity for unemployed youth who have completed Firefighter 1, Hazmat Awareness, and First Aid Level 3, and who are physically and mentally fit. This opportunity will run for a period of four (4) months, from 1 December 2025 – 31 March 2026.

PERIOD:  4 Months

Candidates who wish to apply must meet the following minimum requirements:

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

·        Completion of Firefighter 1 course at an accredited firefighting training institution.
·        Completion of Hazmat Awareness course at an accredited firefighting training institution.
·        Completion of First Aid Level 3 course at a registered first aid training institution.
·        Valid police clearance or proof of payment for police clearance.
·        Ability to speak at least two of the three official languages of the Western Cape.
·        Must be unemployed and not registered on any other Learnership, Internship, or WIL Programme.
·        Must reside within the borders of the Garden Route region.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:

·        Certified copy of Identity Document.
·        Proof of police clearance or proof of payment.
·        Proof of Firefighter 1, Hazmat Awareness, and First Aid Level 3 completed courses.
·        Completed Curriculum Vitae.
·        Completed EPWP application form.

APPLICATION FORMS AND FURTHER INFORMATION:

Please submit a completed EPWP application form, together with your Curriculum Vitae (CV), a certified copy of your Identity Document, and proof of police clearance at one of the Garden Route District Municipality Satellite Offices listed below, or via email to: epwp@edendm.co.za.

Click here and download the EPWP Database Application form.

Click here and download the Official Advert.

CLOSING DATE: 19 October 2025

Notice number: 86/2025

MG Stratu
MUNICIPAL MANAGER

07 August 2025 Media Release: GRDM Disaster Management and EHPs teams assist Bitou Municipality in Bossiesgif fire

GRDM Disaster Management and EHPs teams assist Bitou Municipality in Bossiesgif fire

For immediate release
07 August 2025

The last few days have been traumatic for the Bossiesgif residents of the Bitou Municipal area.

A fire broke out in the informal settlement, with flames that raged through structures leaving approximately 500 people, including children, affected by the flames.

The fire destroyed 162 informal structures with 3 structures that burned partially in Bossiesgif, Bitou

Reports from Bitou Municipality confirmed that the fire broke out in the early hours of 4 August 2025.  In a report that was published on 5 August, it was confirmed that 162 informal structures were destroyed and 3 were partially burned, affecting approximately 500 people with a count of 4-6 people per household.

In collaboration with Bitou Municipality, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) acted swiftly to provide the needed assistance to lessen the impact of the fire on affected individuals. GRDM’s Disaster Management team assisted with the activation of key role players in coordinating a rapid and effective response. The GRDM Disaster Management Centre (DMC) also fulfilled their role as an important link between the district and local coordinators when the centre facilitated communication and provided regular situational reports to district and provincial coordinators. These efforts demonstrated the solid working relations between GRDM and Bitou Municipality.

In ensuring that humanitarian relief was provided to all affected residents, the GRDM DMC supplied 59 mattresses and 71 blankets to the families. This was part of a larger relief effort that included donations received from the Gift of the Givers, meals from Dignity Fund and the Shoprite Act For Change soup kitchen, and ongoing municipal efforts.

GRDM, Bitou Municipality and stakeholders assessing the damages and providing humanitarian aid to residents affected by the fire.

GRDM’s EHPs also played a critical role at the identified sites when they conducted an assessment of all health processes related to food handling and waste disposal thereof at the hall. These processes were well coordinated and the assessment confirmed that all the necessary protocols were followed.

Executive Mayor of GRDM, Andrew Stroebel, commended GRDM, Bitou teams, as well as other stakeholders involved, for their swift response to rescue the residential structures in Bossiesgif, but most importantly the lives of the residents of the settlement. Mayor Stroebel said: “As a district, we applaud the swift reaction of both Bitou and GRDM Emergency and Disaster Management teams and we are thankful that no lives were lost in this devastating fire”.

ENDS

08 July 2025 Media Release: 900 Additional Smoke Alarms Now Installed by Garden Route District Municipality and Stakeholders

Media Release: 900 Additional Smoke Alarms Now Installed by Garden Route District Municipality and Stakeholders

8 July 2025

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) continues with its 10-year battery-life smoke alarm system installations within high fire risk informal settlements. This project was launched in the Garden Route during 2021. It has been a collaborative effort between the GRDM and local municipalities’ Fire Services, who identified areas based on historical call-out data, population density, access, and distances to fire stations.

According to Deon Stoffels, GRDM Fire Chief, “900 devices were recently installed in Smutsville within the Knysna municipal area (Lank Gewag, Skool Gaatjie, Beverly Hills, Makhaphela, Slangepark, Sukhumzamo, Onderste Gaatjie and Corona Valley). In 2024, 480 alarms were installed in Rheenendal and before that, in Kannaland too”.

Tydens ‘n besoek aan die Smutsville gemeenskap het Uitvoerende Burgemeester Andrew Stroebel met verskeie inwoners van Smutsville gesels. Magdalena Twick is een van die inwoners van Smutsville wat al drie keer haar huis verloor het. “Die laaste keer wat my woning afgebrand het is in 2023 en ek woon tans in ‘n tydelike woning wat deur Knysna Munisipaliteit opgerig is. Ek is dankbaar vir die brandalarmstelsel wat nou in my plekkie geïnstalleer is, want dit kan my enige tyd van die dag of nag waarsku teen ‘n moontlike brand”.

Executive Mayor Andrew Stroebel, expressed his appreciation by saying: “We are deeply grateful to the Western Cape Provincial Government (WCG) Department of Local Government, under the leadership of Minister Anton Bredell, for funding this initiative with half a million Rand. It proves to the public that the WCG lends a helping hand when communities call for support. WCG also co-funded the Region’s Fire Station in 2024, supplementing the project with a R3 million shortfall, showing their further commitment to regional fire safety”.

“I’d also like to thank my MMC for Community Services, Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard, our Fire Chief Deon Stoffels and his team, Gerhard Otto, Manager for Disaster Management and his team, for making this project a reality on the ground with external stakeholders,” said Stroebel.

MMC Hoogbaard also visited Smutsville when the devices were installed in June. ”We know that fires can strike at any moment. This happens often with little to no warning, and these impacts can be deadly. In communities, where many homes are constructed from highly flammable materials and are densely placed, a single spark can become a disaster within minutes. Imagine losing crucial documents like ID documents, birth certificates, and other important records in a fire? This is why early detection is not just important, but lifesaving as well.”

Knysna Municipality’s Chief Fire Officer, Ian Bezuidenhout confirmed that all areas covered, historically receive a high number of fire-related callouts. The alarms are always installed in a central area of a structure, ideally located to detect smoke from all areas within a home. As soon as it detects smoke, it emits a loud sound to alert occupants of a potential fire and provides residents time to act for a quick and safe escape. It prevents the loss of life, assets and critical belongings. Residents are also educated to then contact their Firefighters for immediate assistance.

According to project leaders Heinrich Leslie, GRDM Station Commander and Lee-Ann Joubert, GRDM Disaster Management Coordinator, residents become instantly more alert, engaging, and receptive in terms of fire prevention, which contribute greatly to a culture of safety. “Fire alarms are not only installed at homes, but homeowners are also given valuable tips on how to prevent fires.”

In order for the implementation of the project to be successful, various role-players and individual efforts are necessary and are acknowledged. They are as follows.

  • GRDM Fire & Rescue Services and Reserve (Volunteer) Firefighters;
  • GRDM Disaster Management Unit;
  • Working of Fire Personnel;
  • Asivikelani Development Action Group (Vermisha Galant, Fregan Galant, and Keanan Lamienie);
  • Knysna Municipality Integrated Human Settlements representative Eunis Vena; and
  • The Western Cape Local Government Directorate Fire & Rescue Services and Disaster Management.

Editors’ note:

  • In 2016 a Smoke Alarm Project was launched by Mr Anton Bredell, Western Cape Minister for Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, developed by the Western Cape Fire and Rescue Services Directorate.
  • We urge the business community to support and fund similar initiatives as Local Government unfortunately cannot fill all the gaps simultaneously, and naturally, due to the economic climate, communities resort to lower cost housing, and most often, informal housing expand, which naturally are susceptible to these fire related risks. For this purpose, please reach out to GRDM Chief Fire Officer, Deon Stoffels at deon@gardenroute.gov.za.
  • The smoke alarms work with a DC3V lithium manganese battery. It is also recommended for the smoke detectors to be installed in corridors and starways, or in a unit outside a cluster of bedrooms.

Previous articles relating to this programme

Feature image: Junice Vene (Ward Committee Member), Mayor Andrew Stroebel, Vermisha Galant (Asivikelani Development Action Group) and Lee-Ann Joubert (GRDM Disaster Management Officer), during the walk-about.

18 June 2025 Media Release: Garden Route’s Smoke Alarm Initiative Shields Vulnerable Communities from Fires

Media Release: Garden Route’s Smoke Alarm Initiative Shields Vulnerable Communities from Fires

18 June 2025

With winter currently here and many Garden Routers  using indoor fires to keep warm, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) in partnership with the Knysna Local Municipality, extended the Smoke Alarm Installation Project further in Knysna, reaching Smutsville in Sedgefield from 09 – 17 June 2025.

This initiative, spearheaded by the GRDM Disaster Management Section, has already been rolled out in other municipal areas across the district. According to Executive Mayor Andrew Stroebel, “This initiative, funded by the Western Cape Provincial Government, and primarily aims to proactively identify high fire-risk areas within vulnerable communities in our district, and then install smoke alarm devices in these informal settlements”.

“Vulnerable communities remain a top priority for the GRDM and its partners,” said Stroebel

According to Lee-Ann Joubert, GRDM Disaster Management Coordinator, “Knysna Municipality’s Fire Services identified hotspot areas within their local municipality, after which GRDM firefighters installed the detectors and educate homeowners about the benefits and proper use of the device”.

GRDM Fire Services Station Commander Hein Leslie acted as co-project leader, explained: “I must say that the community is very glad and supportive of this initiative.  We did experience some challenges in the beginning when a few community members were under the impression that we installed cameras, but after engaging with them,  the community became more supportive of the initiative.”

Activities underway during the Smoke Alarm Installation Project in Smutsville, Sedgefield

During a brief gathering between officials from GRDM, Cllr Levael Davis, ward Councillor as well as member of the Asivikelane Development Action Group, which partnered with Knysna Municipality to monitor the status of ‘basic services’, GRDM Cllr Hoogbaard, Portfolio Chairperson for Community Services addressed the group.

”We know that fires can strike at any moment – often with little to no warning, and these impacts can be deadly. In communities, where many homes are constructed from highly flammable materials and are densely placed, a single spark can become a disaster within minutes. Imagine losing crucial documents like ID documents, birth certificates, and other important records in a fire? This is why early detection is not just important, but lifesaving as well,” Hoogbaard said.

To date, installations have been completed in the following communities within Smutsville: Skoolgaatjie, Lankgewag and Beverly Hills.

All partners involved in the Smoke Alarm Installation Project.

Firefighters are currently working in the Makhaphela area and will continue to roll out installations in additional high-risk zones in the area, including Slange Park, Sakhumzamo and surrounding areas

Part of this proactive project includes community education and awareness, empowering residents with knowledge to prevent fires, respond effectively, and improve early detection, which ultimately aimed at saving lives and protecting property.

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