GALLERY | Cape Town unites to honour firefighters on International Firefighters’ Day

The City’s Fire and Rescue Service called, and Cape Town answered. Thousands of people turned out at the International Firefighters’ Day commemoration at Athlone Stadium on Saturday 4 May.

International Firefighters’ Day is observed on 4 May annually, to honour firefighters for their service, and to remember those who lost their lives.

Visitors were able to interact with staff, get a closer look at the fire vehicles and even the aerial support craft; get dressed up in fire gear; see first-hand how vehicle extrication and other complex firefighting duties are undertaken, and even have a crack at some of the fitness challenge tasks.

Helicopters were among the equipment on display.

A mock accident scene set up at the event.

Those attending the event could experience various aspects of the job.

A firefighter during the competition.

Residents could see the City’s fire fighting implements and vehicles up close.

The event started with a cavalcade comprising vehicles from the City’s Fire and Rescue Service and numerous neighbouring municipalities who also attended the event.

Chief Fire Officer, Clinton Manuel and Mayco member for safety and security, JP Smith officially opened proceedings.

“I’m extremely happy that so many people joined us, despite some really grim weather, to meet and interact with these brave men and women; to see the equipment we use, and to get to interact with that equipment, and to see us do various things, like the extrication challenge and the Toughest Firefighter competition. We also spent the day with the surrounding municipalities’ fire departments who are valuable partners to us, as well as the volunteer services and the conservation services, who all play an incredibly valuable role on the fire line,” says Smith.