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Sifundiso Ndlovu Chronicle Reporter
BULAWAYO has recorded a 43 percent increase in an outbreak of fires so far this year compared to the same period last year, a development that has seen property worth over $500,000 going up in smoke.Three lives have been lost with two toddlers and an infant perishing in Sauerstown suburb and Montgomery on the outskirts of the city in the past two weeks when their homes were gutted by fire.

Last week three minors survived an inferno when their grandmother braved raging flames to rescue them at Kusile Flats in Makokoba suburb.

Statistics released by the Bulawayo Fire Brigade show that there were 41 fires in April and May this year but the figure rose alarmingly to 73 last month.

During the first half of the year, property worth $523,000 is estimated to have been destroyed in fire incidents.

There was an average of 23 fires a month last year, compared to an average of 33 a month this year.

Bulawayo Chief Fire Officer Richard Peterson said there had been a 43 percent rise in fires in the first six months compared to the same period last year.

“The figures are on the rise when compared to last year. So far three people have died, the figure that was recorded for the whole of last year,” Peterson said.

Five people suffered burns in the first six months this year while 13 had fire related injuries for the whole of last year. Although this month’s statistics were not available, the chief fire officer said he expected an increase as in one week only, there were about 20 reported fires.

“The continued increase in outbreaks of fires was said to be putting a strain on firemen and the firefighting equipment. We have a big problem.”

During the week ending July 11 alone, we attended to about 20 fires. This kind of situation cannot be sustained. Residents must take action,” he said.  “There has been an alarming increase this year. People seem to think a fire will affect someone else other than them,” said the chief fire officer.

He said the fire brigade was attending to more than one fire a day and on some days they attended to five fires at the same time.

Peterson said residents need to prevent fire outbreaks to save lives and loss of property.

“Fire is hot, fast and deadly. Residents must take all precautional measures to minimise the outbreak of fire,” he said.

Peterson also urged residents not to keep flammable substances inside the house as stipulated by council regulations.

“Council by-laws are clear that residents must not keep flammable substances inside the house but in a purpose-built storeroom outside the house. Electrical appliances must be unplugged and switched off during times of load shedding and children must not be left unattended near a fire,” he said.