Fire losses are becoming an increasingly pressing concern in both the commercial and residential sectors, with claims costs rising by approximately 40% over the past 24 months.
The financial and emotional toll of fire-related incidents is on the rise, highlighting the critical need for proactive and effective protection solutions.
Since its launch in August 2023 in Gauteng, Fidelity SecureFire, has been making significant strides in revolutionising fire response services in South Africa. The unique ‘own first responder’ model has responded to a total of over 500 incidents and is now extending its footprint to Bloemfontein, effective 1 November.
The service will include a fire chief, divisional officers, and fully internationally qualified firefighters available on standby 24/7.
“Fidelity ADT armed response officers will also be ‘first responders’ as part of this critical new service and have the required equipment to handle minor fires at homes, such as those involving generators or batteries,” explains Wahl Bartmann, CEO of Fidelity Services Group.
The fire service is reinforced by an adaptable fleet with both large and small vehicles to handle various terrains and challenging locations and responders will utilise FireBlock technology to maximise water effectiveness.
Including armed response vehicles, the Fidelity response team in the region will be 10 vehicles.
Bartmann states that the launch of Fidelity SecureFire was essential to strengthen fire response services, providing residents with timely and effective assistance when they need it most.
“Our resources will be able to respond effectively to large fires, all domestic household fires, small to medium commercial fires and fires at shopping centres, schools or churches. Basically, wherever the danger is and where our customers and/or their property are in harm’s way due to a fire, they can rely on us being their first line of defence.”
Existing customers who sign up for the service will get a two-month complimentary service and thereafter the service will be available at just R25 per month which is less than R1 per day. To access the service, customers just need to call the emergency number 086 12 12 401 or push the panic button on their alarm panel, pushing a static panic button or by using the Secure app.
For customers wishing to add some additional home fire products Fidelity SecureFire now offers a range of services including fire prevention and education, emergency response, post-fire restoration as well as home fire prevention products available through its e- commerce platform.
