Nelson Mandela Bay Fire-Fighters' bravery averted what could have been a disaster

Nelson Mandela Bay, South Africa - The quick reaction and bravery of the Nelson Mandela Bay Fire and Emergency Services averted what could have been a fire disaster at the old Show Grounds in Martin Street, where a fire broke out at a roof sheet material manufacturing factory, Umzamo Nonwovens, on Monday morning, January 15, 2013.

The Municipality's  Fire and Emergency Services Department was alerted to the fire that had broken out at the company at half past seven and within 10 minutes they were at the scene. Due to the highly flammable and hazardous liquids used at the factory, the fire-fighters faced a dangerous and tricky situation. Their quick reaction and readiness enabled them to save half of the warehouse.

What made the operation more difficult and dangerous for the fire-fighters were the flammable liquids that kept on causing infrequent explosions.

The team had to simultaneously work on controlling the spread of the fire within the warehouse and to other neighbouring companies.  The fire-fighters battled with the fire until they had it under control at around 10 am. They had to use both water and foam to extinguish the fire. The Fire and Emergency Services despatched 23 fire-fighters and 9 fire engines to the scene. Only one company employee was injured, with slight burn wounds.

According to  Fire and Emergency Senior Divisional head, Ben Coetzee, who was also on site, the team was exceptional. “The situation was highly dangerous, but our fire-fighters went all out to extinguish the fire. If we had arrived a few minutes later, the fire could have easily spread to neighbouring factories, which also had highly flammable materials inside,” said Coetzee.

Coetzee said the preliminary investigation indicates that the fire could have been caused by heating rollers on the conveyers in the machines used at the factory.