With the festive season fast approaching, the City of Cape Town would like to remind residents of the many consequences of the illegal discharging of fireworkers, especially in residential areas. During Guy Fawkes earlier this month, the City of Cape Town fire fighters went beyond the call of duty to rescue a dog stuck between two walls, after it tried to escape the terror of firecrackers being illegally discharged in the residential suburb of Ottery.
The City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith, explains that the owner, on the morning after Guy Fawkes while on his way to work discovered that his dog was missing from his back yard. He initially thought that it had gone into hiding following an evening of fire crackers being illegally discharged. Upon further investigation he heard a moan coming from the backyard; only to discover that his dog, Sam, was stuck between two walls.
“The owner immediately contacted the Fire Department and was informed by the operator that his complaint was logged and that they would respond as soon as possible, but there may be a delay as they were responding to other calls as well. However, as he hung up the phone the fire fighters arrived. They immediately went to work to rescue the distressed animal, as if it was a person’s life that was at stake,” said Alderman Smith.
The fire fighters tried many different ways to free Sam without hurting him or damaging any part of the building as it was a rented property. They radioed in for the Jaws of Life and while waiting for it, they continued their efforts.
“The situation could have been a lot worse, however, the fire fighters remained calm and kept trying to free the dog. Just as the truck arrived, they managed to get Sam into the position they needed him to be in and lifted him to safety,” Smith said.
Smith commended the team of fire fighters for their heroic actions: “They went beyond the call of duty and put their hearts into ensuring that one of the city’s animals was safely returned to his thankful owner.”
“With many residents that will be celebrating Christmas and New Year’s Eve by discharging fireworks, I urge residents to exercise caution when using fireworks and to discharge the fireworks only at the designated sites – not in residential areas.”
