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Nqobile Tshili, Chronicle Correspondent
PROPERTY worth about $2 million was burnt in Bulawayo between January and September this year, up from about $1million during the same period last year.
Bulawayo Chief Fire Officer Richard Peterson said although there is an increase in the value of properties lost, there was a decrease by about 20 percent in fire incidents reported in the city.
“Estimated loss of property between January 1 and September 30, 2015, stands at $1,914 890 as compared to $1,091 725 in the same period in 2014. Hence, an increase of $823,165 in the value of lost/damaged property. What this signifies is that between 1st January and 30th September 2015, the fire brigade attended to high valued properties as opposed to the properties in the same period in 2014,” said Peterson.
He said Bulawayo recorded a decrease in fire incidents as 406 cases were reported this year compared to 512 cases that were recorded over the same period last year.
Peterson said children playing with matches, faulty electrical appliances and over loading of electrical circuits were the major contributory factors in the reported fires in the city.
He said no deaths have been recorded so far this year while two people were killed last year between January and September.
“For the period January 1 to September 30 2015, the brigade didn’t record any fire related deaths. For the same period in 2014, two fire related deaths were recorded. During the period January 1 to September 30 2015, the brigade recorded 3 fire-related injuries. In the corresponding period in 2014, 5 fire-related injuries were recorded, representing a decline in fire-related injuries by 40 per cent,” he said.
Peterson said the Fire Brigade has intensified fire awareness campaigns targeting schools, orphanages, old people’s homes, industrial sites as well as residential homes.
He urged residents to exercise caution while using alternative sources of energy in the face of load shedding.
Meanwhile, Peterson said residents should avoid crossing flooded rivers during the impending rainy season.
“At times the available bridge may be flooded, people should not attempt to cross it until the water subsides. Some school going children cross streams to get to school, it is vital that parents ensure, during the rainy season that they personally collect their young ones, especially after a rain-fall.
“Children should avoid playing or swimming in flooded streams, pits, rivers and ponds,” said Peterson.
Online Reporter