Online Reporter
Mthokozisi Ncube
IMAGINE life without fire-fighters . . .
No one rushing into burning buildings, no heroes saving families trapped in collapsing homes, no rapid responders stopping disasters before they spiral out of control. In Bulawayo, the Fire Brigade and Rescue Services prove every day that real heroes do not wear capes, they wear helmets and charge into danger 24/7.
Over the past year, the brigade has tackled emergencies that would make most people run for cover. In January 2025, they stormed a burning house in Cowdray Park, rescuing a family of five from certain tragedy. Just two months later, they were on the Harare-Bulawayo highway, containing a fuel tanker spill that could have triggered a catastrophic blaze. Their quick thinking and courage prevented injuries and saved property worth millions of dollars.
But fire-fighting in Bulawayo is about more than battling flames. The brigade runs a Pre-Hospital Care programme, sending nurses with postgraduate diplomas in Accident and Emergency Nursing to every mission. These nurses provide critical medical intervention on the spot, boosting survival rates and easing handovers at Mpilo Central Hospital and UBH.
Bulawayo Chief Fire-fighter, Mhlangano Moyo, tells B-Metro, “The nurse, compared to our fire-fighters, has good decision-making when it comes to situations that need medical expertise. We work as a team and everyone’s skills are important in saving lives.”
The brigade’s life is hectic, responding to fires, car crashes, floods, building collapses, hazardous material spills, animal rescues, search and rescue operations, and even investigating the causes of fires. “Every day is unpredictable. One moment we are fighting a blaze, the next we are rescuing someone trapped in a collapsed building or giving first aid on the scene,” Moyo says.
Training for recruits is intense and ongoing. On 22 October, 35 recruit fire-fighters from six Rural District Councils, including Hwange, Tsholotsho and Matobo, graduated from Famona Fire Station, nine of them women. They endure rigorous drills, simulated rescues and technical courses to stay sharp. The brigade also trains schools, mines and hospitals, preparing communities and businesses for emergencies and keeping investments safe.
Beyond Bulawayo, the brigade partners with Operation Florian, an international humanitarian initiative supporting emergency services across southern Africa. Through this programme, Bulawayo fire-fighters train regional teams, provide modern equipment and run practical exercises in fire suppression, disaster response and hazardous material management.
Bulawayo fire-fighters are the backbone of community safety and sustained economic activity. Every fire they extinguish, every life they save and every rescue they perform shows that courage, skill and dedication make this one of the most challenging and rewarding professions. Step into their boots and you step into a world where danger meets bravery every single day.
