Komani Fire Services Under Strain as Volunteers Step In Amid Old Engine Breakdowns

Chris Hani District Confirms No Fire Trucks

The Chris Hani District currently has no functional fire trucks, according to the Emergency Readiness motion passed in the Eastern Cape Legislature on 4 December 2025. The district’s Disaster Management unit only responds during declared disasters and does not provide structural firefighting services, placing responsibility on local municipalities to respond to fires and other emergencies.

Enoch Mgijima Municipality Has Limited Resources

Komani News contacted Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality, which confirmed that it has one operational fire engine. This is supported by two bakkies equipped with fire-extinguishing gear, used when the main truck experiences breakdowns.

Spokesperson Lonwabo Kowa explained that the fire engine is old and sometimes breaks down, but that requisite spare materials have been ordered to restore optimal functionality.

Volunteers Play a Critical Role

Volunteer firefighters in Komani have been assisting the municipality for years. According to Kowa, the municipality maintains strong communication and collaboration with the volunteers, who continue to make a significant difference in controlling fires despite limited municipal resources.

Leadership Gaps Add Pressure

The municipality currently has no Chief Fire Fighting official, after the position became vacant several months ago. The recruitment process is underway, with an appointment expected early in 2026, leaving the firefighting unit without senior leadership for the time being.

Province-Wide Firefighting Shortage

The Eastern Cape is experiencing a severe shortage of fire trucks, with only 50 of 168 required vehicles functional across the province. Causes cited in the Legislature include:

• Non-compliance with SANS 10090 Community Protection Against Fire standards

• Failure to replace aging vehicles

• Budget constraints affecting procurement and maintenance

The Legislature established a Provincial Emergency Readiness Task Team to stabilise and rebuild firefighting capacity, assess vehicle status, address staffing and resource gaps, and coordinate support with national government departments.

Residents Urged to Remain Vigilant

As the province enters the high-risk summer season, communities in Komani and surrounding towns face increased fire, flood, and accident risks. Residents are urged to stay cautious, while volunteers and the municipal firefighting team work to manage emergencies with limited resources.