Fidelity denies Tshwane claims of ‘unlawful’ firefighting
Private firefighting company Fidelity SecureFire has refuted the City of Tshwane's claims that it is operating unlawfully.
This week, the City of Tshwane accused Fidelity SecureFire, Fide Sinoville Firefighting Association, and Laudium Disaster Management of failing to obtain a formal designation from provincial authorities.
Tshwane said the services are extinguishing fires without approval and using water from the city's fire hydrants without permission.
In June last year, the metro applied to the High Court in Pretoria for an order for the companies to immediately halt operations.
"These entities are functioning without legal authority, regulatory approval, or formal agreements with the municipality in direct contravention of national and local legislation governing emergency services,” the city said in a statement.
However, Fidelity Services Group CEO Wahl Bartmann told Jacaranda FM on Thursday that the company is fully compliant with international firefighting standards.
The company says that to date, it has responded to over 800 fires, including 128 fire incidents in Tshwane.
Bartmann also denied claims that the company makes use of the city's water hydrants, saying its fire trucks have the necessary water.
Despite growing public demand for reliable private firefighting services, some municipalities have raised objections, wrongly claiming such services are unlawful. Fidelity SecureFire strongly disputes these claims," said Bartmann.
“After extensive legal consultation, we are confident that no existing laws prohibit or restrict the lawful provision of private firefighting services.”
Bartmann said Fidelity SecureFire is not meant to replace municipal fire departments.
“Our services are complementary. We respond only when formally engaged through contractual agreements, similar to how private security firms operate. Our customers choose us voluntarily, seeking enhanced protection tailored to their specific needs.”
The city and Fidelity SecureFire are expected to meet with officials from the Gauteng Cooperative Governance Department on Thursday to discuss the issue.
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