Matsapha – Despite a 13% decline in fire incidents compared to the previous year, His Majesty King Mswati III has called for greater community involvement in fire prevention, warning that the progress must not lead to complacency as fires continue to threaten lives, businesses and livelihoods.
Speaking during the commemoration of the 3rd National Fire Day at Matsapha International Airport on Monday, where the 51st anniversary of the Eswatini National Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services was marked, the King said protecting homes and property was a shared responsibility that required active participation from every citizen.
“The protection of our homes and livelihoods is a shared responsibility. As a nation, we must recognise that fire prevention begins with each and every one of us, as the Fire and Rescue Service alone cannot prevent all incidents without active community participation,” His Majesty said.
While commending the fire and rescue officers for the reported decline in incidents, the King stressed that more needed to be done to prevent fires and reduce the destruction they cause.
“It is encouraging to hear that fire incidents have declined by about 13% compared to the previous year and we commend the Fire and Rescue Service for that achievement. However, we must not become complacent and continue in our quest to eliminate these incidents that destroy the property of emaSwati,” he said.
His Majesty highlighted the economic consequences of fires, particularly when industrial facilities are damaged, noting that such incidents can result in losses amounting to millions of emalangeni and leave workers without jobs.
He called on communities to take precautionary measures and encouraged motorists and public transport operators to consider carrying fire extinguishers in their vehicles to help contain fires before emergency teams arrive, provided it was safe to do so.
The King also emphasised that a well-equipped and capable fire service was essential to protecting investments and strengthening confidence among businesses operating in the Kingdom.
“A well-prepared Fire Service reassures and gives investors confidence that their investments, lives and property are always protected,” he said.
He called for continued investment in the service through the provision of essential firefighting equipment and vehicles, alongside regular training to ensure officers could respond effectively to modern emergencies, including industrial fires, road traffic accidents and collapsed structures.
His Majesty further urged stronger cooperation between the Fire and Rescue Service, security forces and other emergency response agencies to improve the country’s ability to respond to disasters.
Addressing the officers, the King described their work as a calling that required commitment beyond normal working hours.
“Your job is a calling to save the nation. You are a fireman in uniform or out of uniform – 24/7,” he said.
He commended the officers for their courage and dedication, including their willingness to undertake dangerous rescue operations. In particular, he praised personnel who enter rivers to rescue drowning victims despite frightening conditions and local beliefs about the presence of a mythical seven-headed snake.
The celebrations also featured a guard of honour and parade by fire officers, demonstrating their discipline and coordination before His Majesty and other dignitaries. The service’s cultural regiment, comprising Imbali, Lutsango, Ingaja and Emajaha, also participated in a march-past.
Fire officers responsible for snake catching demonstrated the techniques used to capture snakes safely following reports of sightings, highlighting the specialised skills required to protect members of the public.
His Majesty was joined at the event by Their Majesties’ Emakhosikati, Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini, Cabinet Ministers, members of the Royal Family and other dignitaries.
The annual commemoration provided an opportunity to recognise the service’s contribution to protecting lives, property and the environment while highlighting the need for continued investment in emergency response capacity and public awareness.
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