DFW Fire & Rescue: A Critical private Lifeline for Communities in Crisis

Paarl, 22 December 2014

Over the past seven years, the Drakenstein region has faced an alarming increase in fires—devastating not only the environment but also homes, businesses, and livelihoods. Often, governmental firefighting resources are stretched too thin, delayed, or insufficient to manage the scale and intensity of these emergencies.

In response to this pressing need, Drakenstein Farm Watch (DFW) Fire & Rescue NPC was established in 2017 as a private non profit company , and specialized entity to step in where public services fall short. Since its inception, DFW has made a significant impact, offering landowners and their insurance partners a focused and resource-rich solution during times of crisis.

The Value of a Private Fire Brigade

For property owners, especially those with large estates, crops, or thatch-roof structures, having access to a private fire brigade is invaluable. Unlike public services, DFW has the flexibility to allocate its resources specifically to protect or address critical areas, ensuring focused and timely action. This approach not only minimizes immediate danger but also mitigates long-term economic and environmental damages.

Consider the aftermath of a fire: scorched surroundings, reduced crop yields, and financial strain that can last for years. These are challenges DFW is uniquely set out to combat.

Our Specialized Services

DFW Fire & Rescue engages in a wide range of firefighting operations, including:

1. Structural Firefighting: Protecting homes, estates, and buildings with precision and care.
2. Crop and Land Protection: Safeguarding valuable agricultural investments.
3. Environmental Preservation: Preventing fires from spreading to surrounding lands, ensuring the natural beauty and economic viability of the area remain intact.

Recently, DFW added custom-built CAFS (Compressed Air Foam System) units to its arsenal. These units are particularly effective for:

• Thatch Roof Protection: Applying a thick foam layer to smother ignition fires or provide a fire-resistant barrier.
• Large-Scale Firefighting: Efficiently controlling fires in challenging terrains and high-risk areas.

Fire Insurance: A Crucial Consideration

While DFW offers unmatched expertise, it’s vital for property owners to have the right insurance in place. A specific risk for land and farm owners is the possibility of fires originating on their property and spreading to neighboring lands. Without proper liability or fire fighting costs coverage, the financial implications can be devastating.

To address this, many insurance providers may or can offer an “extinguishing and water-bombing clause” as part of liability cover. This add-on, costing as little as R90–R200 per month, ensures that fire-fighting costs by third parties like DFW are covered. This is especially critical for:

• Fires that threaten neighboring properties.
• Crop and land preservation efforts.
• Preventing liability claims due to fire spread.

Example Clause:

Fire Extinguishing Charges or Water Bombing Costs
(If stated in the Schedule to be included)
In consideration of an additional premium, this section includes all costs necessarily incurred with water bombing or other fire extinguishing methods to prevent fire spread to third-party property, provided that:

• The third-party property was in danger due to the fire.
• The insurer’s liability is subject to a cap as stated in the schedule.
• A minimum deductible of R1,000 or 10% of the claim applies.

Building Resilience Together

DFW Fire & Rescue is proud to serve our community with the tools, expertise, and commitment needed to protect lives, property, and the environment. As the frequency and intensity of fires increase, the collaboration between private fire services, property owners, and insurers becomes more critical than ever.

We encourage all landowners to review their insurance policies and ensure appropriate coverage is in place. By working together, we can minimize the risks and maximize the protection of our beloved Drakenstein region.

For more information about DFW Fire & Rescue or how to enhance your fire protection strategies, please contact us. Together, we can turn potential disasters into stories of resilience and recovery.

Daan van Leeuwen Boomkamp CEO