The fire brigade in Louis Trichardt recently received a welcome boost in terms of efficiency with the arrival of brand new state-of-the-art emergency equipment.

"A person can only work as well as his equipment allows him," remarked Mr Jack Ramalatso, spokesperson for the local fire brigade, in response to the arrival of the new equipment. They are now well prepared for any emergency situation.

Ramalatso said that the fire station first used the equipment on a trial basis and, after familiarising themselves with the tools, sent them back to the head of the department.

On Thursday last week, fire station personnel were overjoyed when they received their very own set of emergency equipment which, amongst others, included brand new generators, a set of tools also known as the Jaws of Life, dividers, hooligan tools for forced entry, hose washers and grappling ropes. All the equipment comes from America and is of far better quality than the equipment they are currently using. Ramalatso said that, for example, the older Jaws of Life are not only smaller in size but also much heavier than the newer ones.

"This equipment will help us do our jobs so much better," Ramalatso said.

The new equipment, as well as the vehicle it will be mounted on, will have to be sent to Johannesburg in order for the mountings to be fitted. Until then, the fire station will continue to use the older equipment.