Online Reporter
Online Reporter
THE City of Harare Fire Brigade and Convergence Community Emergency Response Team (ConCERT) have been commended for their swift and coordinated response after a fire gutted residential flats at Jels Court in Avondale on Tuesday.
The blaze destroyed one apartment and spread to sections of neighbouring units before firefighters, supported by emergency responders, managed to contain it following an intensive operation that lasted several hours.
No fatalities or serious injuries were immediately reported, while the cause of the fire was still under investigation at the time of going to print.
ConCERT founder and emergency medical services practitioner Mr Webster Jaricha said the organisation deployed personnel to the scene while responding to another emergency in Madokero, where a cyclist had been fatally struck by a motor vehicle earlier in the day.
Despite attending the separate incident, Mr Jaricha said ConCERT rapidly mobilised resources to support the City of Harare Fire Brigade, demonstrating the importance of coordinated emergency response systems during major incidents.
He said immediately after receiving a distress call from a resident in Avondale reporting that a flat was on fire, ConCERT alerted the City of Harare Fire Brigade before rushing to the scene.
“We were responding to another emergency in Madokero when we received a distress call from a resident reporting that a flat in Avondale was on fire,” he said.
“Our first action was to notify the City of Harare Fire Brigade before proceeding to the scene. We arrived almost simultaneously with the firefighters, who immediately launched an aggressive operation to contain the blaze”
Mr Jaricha said one apartment had already been completely engulfed by flames when emergency teams arrived, with the fire threatening neighbouring units within the block.
“The City of Harare firefighters demonstrated exceptional professionalism and courage under very difficult conditions,” he said.
“The flames were intense and there was a real danger that the entire block and adjacent buildings could have been lost.
“Their swift intervention saved several homes and prevented what could have been a serious disaster.”
He said ConCERT worked alongside Highway Emergency Medical Services by maintaining the safety perimeter, assisting with crowd control and remaining on standby to provide emergency medical assistance if required.
Mr Jaricha also commended the firefighters’ endurance during the lengthy operation, saying ConCERT volunteers provided bottled water, soft drinks, pies and buns to help keep emergency personnel hydrated and energised while battling the blaze.
“Firefighting is physically demanding, particularly while wearing heavy protective equipment. Although our resources are limited, we felt it was important to support these dedicated men and women with refreshments as they continued protecting lives and property.”
ConCERT first responder Pastor Simba Bapiro said teamwork among all emergency services contributed significantly to the successful management of the incident.
“Every responder understood their role. While firefighters concentrated on extinguishing the blaze, we focused on securing the scene, protecting members of the public and supporting emergency personnel. Effective coordination is what makes emergency response successful.”
Veteran emergency responder Mrs Patricia Townsend said the incident highlighted the importance of community emergency preparedness and cooperation between residents and emergency services.
“Incidents such as these remind us that emergencies can occur without warning,” she said.
“The prompt reporting of the fire by residents, the rapid response by the City of Harare Fire Brigade and the cooperation of volunteers all contributed to preventing an even greater tragedy. Communities become safer when everyone works together.”
