ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FIRE SAFETY TRAINING PAYS OFF AS KENNEDY ROAD RESIDENTS SAVE HOMES AND LIVES
Dozens of lives and multiple homes were spared this week in Kennedy Road, thanks to residents who put their recently acquired fire safety training into action during a fierce and rapidly spreading blaze.
Trained community members became first responders, containing the fire before emergency services arrived and preventing what could have been a devastating disaster in an area historically prone to destructive fires.
The fire erupted earlier this week at the Kennedy Road Informal Settlement in Ward 25, destroying four structures and partially damaging two others.
As flames threatened to engulf the homes, residents who underwent eThekwini Municipality’s fire safety and disaster risk reduction training last October mobilised quickly.
They formed response teams, tackled hotspots, and safely guided families to safety.
Resident Linda Lloyd, a participant in last year’s training, described the experience as both terrifying and empowering.
"We saw the flames rising and knew we could not wait for help. The skills we learned kicked in immediately," he said.
Lloyd added that the team worked together to control the fire without assistance from emergency services.
"If it were not for the training, this fire could have destroyed rows of homes. Today, we have families still alive and homes still standing," he said.
Last year, the Municipality’s Disaster Management and Fire Services Directorates, in partnership with the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Disaster Management Centre trained 100 Kennedy Road residents in fire safety and disaster risk reduction.
Kennedy Road has long suffered frequent fires resulting in displacement, injuries, and deaths.
The training aimed to equip residents to act swiftly during emergencies, and this week, that investment and training paid off.
Ward 25 Councillor Themba Mkhize praised the residents’ courage and unity.
“This is the first time in history that Kennedy Road residents acted as first responders without relying on Fire or Disaster Management Services. Their actions prevented catastrophic destruction and potential loss of life. This shows the power of empowering communities," he said.
Acting Divisional Commander Zwelethu Thusi also commended the residents for putting their training into action.
"Hearing that residents managed to contain the fire themselves was extremely encouraging. It proves that the skills imparted are saving lives and reducing damage," he said.
The Municipality is now exploring ways to expand this training to more high-risk communities, ensuring safer, better-prepared neighbourhoods across eThekwini.
ENDS
Issued by eThekwini Municipality’s Marketing and Communications Directorate
