Shortage of fire trucks in Joburg

JOHANNESBURG - As fire season approaches, half of all Joburg stations have no firefighting engines.

This has been confirmed by the city's emergency services.

It says ideally there should be one at each of the 35 stations.

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But, the service has been forced to deploy what they have to high-risk areas.

''At this stage, we can confirm that we have a shortage of turnout vehicles which is your normal fire engine which is capable for responding to fire incidents and also motor vehicle accidents," said spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi.

"In the City of Johannesburg, we're having about 35 stations which ideally we're supposed to have at least one of those vehicles in each and every fire station.

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"Due to that shortage, we have a strategy in place."

Mulaudzi said vehicles have been placed in areas of higher risk.

He also said in the case where more resources are required, neighbouring municipalities would be able to assist.