Chris Hani District Rejects Claims of No Fire Trucks, Calls Reports a ‘Blatant Distortion’

Komani — The Chris Hani District Municipality (CHDM) has firmly rejected claims that it has no operational fire trucks, describing the allegations as a “blatant distortion” of the district’s current firefighting capacity. The clarification follows public concerns arising earlier this week, and comes after Komani News requested formal comment.

All information was provided by CHDM spokesperson Thobeka Mqamelo, who detailed how firefighting responsibilities and resources are structured within the district.

District Explains Firefighting Mandate

Mqamelo stated that the district coordinates fire services across all municipalities, while local municipalities carry out structural and domestic firefighting through established Service Level Agreements.

She emphasised that this model ensures decentralised deployment of both personnel and equipment, allowing municipalities to respond faster to emergencies without relying on a single district-controlled fleet.

Breakdown of Functional Firefighting Vehicles

According to Mqamelo, all current firefighting units across the district are functional. She provided the following breakdown of operational vehicles:

• Inxuba Yethemba Local Municipality: 2 fire trucks

• Komani (District Centre): 1 fire truck

• Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality: 2 skid units

• Intsika Yethu Local Municipality: 1 fire truck and 2 skid units

• Emalahleni Local Municipality: 1 skid unit

• Sakhisizwe Local Municipality: 1 skid unit

• Dr AB Xuma Local Municipality: 1 skid unit

Mqamelo stressed that these vehicles are active and available, dismissing claims that the district lacks functional firefighting resources.

Specialised Fires Remain a District Responsibility

While local municipalities handle building and structural fires, CHDM remains responsible for specialised incidents, including:

• Veld and forest fires

• Hazardous materials (hazmat) spillages

Mqamelo said the district continues to coordinate such responses, ensuring municipalities receive strategic support where needed.

Cooperation With FPAs and Neighbouring Districts

CHDM confirmed that all municipalities within the district maintain operational partnerships with Fire Protection Associations (FPAs) to strengthen collective response during fire-prone seasons.

Mqamelo added that the district also has standing agreements with neighbouring districts to provide additional firefighting support if required.

Resources Positioned Locally for Faster Response

According to Mqamelo, decentralising equipment and personnel to local municipalities is a deliberate strategy designed to maintain acceptable response times. Firefighting teams are based on the ground in each municipality, enabling immediate action when emergencies arise.

She maintained that CHDM is fulfilling its legislative mandate and will continue to support all municipalities through coordination, resource allocation and specialised incident management.