As South Africa's public fire services face a dire shortage of resources, a new private initiative is stepping up to bridge the gap. Vehicle tracking and recovery company Matrix has launched FireStop, providing rapid, tactical firefighting to its clients.
Recent reports have highlighted the critical lack of fire engines. This is a significant problem in Gauteng's major urban centres. The issue is exacerbated by resource constraints and infrastructure limitations. Urbanisation and climate change are also increasing fire risks.
FireStop aims to counter these challenges with private firefighting services currently available in Gauteng, the Free State, and KwaZulu-Natal. There are plans to expand operations in the near future. As the first offering of its kind to be operational in three provinces, FireStop marks a new era in private-sector safety solutions.
Ryan Colyn, General Manager for Africa Retail at Matrix, states that the service is a direct response to a very real need. "The launch of FireStop represents a significant leap forward," Mr Colyn said. "It allows us to provide a new layer of personal safety. This is for our customers' homes and vehicles. The service is a proactive solution. It bridges the gap where public services may be lacking."
Response times are remarkably quick. Expert crews and tactical firefighters are dispatched within 60 seconds during the day. This time extends to 90 seconds at night. This rapid response is critical when every second counts.
FireStop is exclusively for Matrix and Beame clients for a nominal R39 per month. The service is immediately accessible, with private fire brigades already providing essential first-response support. Clients can activate the already-live service easily through their existing subscription. In an emergency, customers call a dedicated number for assistance. The call centre is monitored 24 hours a day.
