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Nqobile Tshili, Chronicle Correspondent
THE Bulawayo Fire Brigade Department has urged residents to exercise caution when dealing with electrical warming appliances as the gadgets contribute to most house fires in winter.
Acting Chief Fire officer Edward Mpofu said the brigade had observed that during winter seasons, fire incidents at homes go up.
“Most of the fires emanate from heaters and other naked flames. So we want to caution members of the public to be extra cautious when dealing with these appliances,” he said.
Mpofu said apart from heaters, some fires are caused by candles. “With the prevailing economic situation, some people use candles which ignite properties,” he said.
Mpofu urged residents to call the Fire Brigade before trying to save their properties that would be on fire.
He said if they are called on time their teams normally arrive at the scene within five minutes.
Mpofu said in one incident where five people died in an inferno in Nketa 6, it could have been a different story if the Fire Brigade had been called before the family attempted to fight the raging fire.
Online Reporter