CAPE TOWN - Cape Town’s Disaster Risk Management Services at the weekend said most domestic fires are caused by lack of thought or concentration.
Two people died in separate fires in the Western Cape over the past few days.
A 28-year-old man in Khayelitsha was killed and an eight-month-old baby in Bonteheuwel burned to death when her parent’s wendyhouse caught on fire.
Disaster Management Wilfred Solomons-Johannes said a series of fires at the weekend could have been prevented if residents were more careful.
"Most of these fires are a result of people leaving open flames unattended."
He said there’s an increase in shack fires during the winter months as residents try to keep warm.
Meanwhile, fires in the Western Cape have left more than 30 residents in Atlantis, Khayelitsha, Durbanville and Langa, homeless.
- EWN
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I hope you might be interested in this Canadian Company's effort to reduce the risk of Shack Fires and Promote Poverty Relief.
Kevin's Kandles are not meant as competition or an alternative to electrical grid lighting or solar lighting. Our core values are fire safety and fire prevention. As such, Kevin's Kandles are offered as an alternative to paraffin candles UNTIL the users are able to access a modern
and safer form of lighting. We are looking at providing an interim solution to the incredible number of "Shack Fires" that continue to plague those in developing countries.
Kevin’s Kandles is an innovative concept that provides alternative illumination. They have the potential to make a huge impact in Third World countries as they are much safer than traditional candles, inexpensive – half the cost, convenient and environmentally friendly.
If a Kevin's Kandle is left unattended - it will go out; if it is tipped over - it will go out!
Kevin's Kandles is a much cheaper alternative for the people that MUST continue to use candles for illumination. Kevin's Kandles do not use petroleum based fuel and as such do not produce fumes that are bad for your health or the environment.
Many organizations promote solar generated energy or installation of electric power grids throughout under developed and developing countries. Unfortunately, the truth of the matter is, that these options are cost prohibitive and decades away. Application is only possible if supported by Relief Organizations on a donation basis. Power grids will never be feasible throughout rural communities.
"Lighting Africa" indicates that there are 600 million people that do not have access to electricity and rely on candles and kerosene for lighting. Their projections "hope" to see 250 million people using solar lighting by 2030. What about the other 350M? What about providing a much safer, much cheaper candle NOW!
Prevent Shack Fires and Promote Poverty Relief
I am a former UNMIL Fire Marshal that has a special place in my heart for my friends and Firefighters in Africa.
Kevin's Kandles has been founded as a direct result of my assignment in 2007-2008. The weekly fire calls for accidental candle fires in Monrovia had a profound impact on me. I have spent my entire career providing fire protection and fire safety to the public. Upon my return to Canada I knew I had to do something more. Now Kevin's Kandles are available - How do we encourage suppliers like Monoprix or Bridgeway to offer these candles to all Africans? They are Much Safer than paraffin candles, less than half the cost and environmentally friendly. If a Kevin's Kandle is left unattended - it will go out; if it is tipped over - it will go out!
In January 2012 another tragic accidental candle fire occurred in Monrovia, Liberia. 150 homes were destroyed and 2,500 people were left homeless.
This tragedy could have been prevented with Kevin’s Kandles. It’s time for the UN and other Poverty Relief Groups to embrace these Much Safer candles.
A shipping carton measures 15 x 15 x 20”, weighs 25 pounds and contains 500 packs of Kevin’s Kandles. Each pack has the potential to provide a family with 3+ months of safer candle illumination.
To watch the demonstration video and read the “Small Steps” folder visit www.asafercandle.com
Let’s reduce the number of accidental shack fires!
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