10 September 2025 | Raymond Jaravaza | Heraldonline
THE Bulawayo Fire Brigade has won the hearts of residents at Qalisa Retirement Village after swooping in to stop a raging blaze that threatened to turn into a full-blown disaster. The incident occurred last Saturday when a fire broke out in a vacant plot next to the retirement village in Suburbs. With elderly residents – some battling serious breathing problems – panic quickly set in.
At exactly 11:30am, a distress call was made and within minutes, a fire crew roared onto the scene, battling the flames before they could spread to the village. An emotional estate manager, C.F Pool, heaped praise on the firefighters.
“On behalf of residents of Qalisa Retirement Village, I would like to thank the Bulawayo Fire Brigade for their prompt response. “Our residents are all elderly and some suffer from breathing difficulties. Your swift action in getting the fire under control was of great value to those who struggle to breathe,” said Pool.
Bulawayo Mayor Councillor David Coltart said the rescue was proof of the Fire Brigade’s unwavering dedication. “Bulawayo Fire Brigade is quite remarkable and they make us proud every week,” he said.
The mayor revealed he had received a glowing letter from Qalisa. “Thank you – Siyabonga – to our magnificent Fire Brigade for their prompt, efficient, steadfast, brave and courageous work they do week in and week out,” said Cllr Coltart.
The timely intervention ensured that a terrifying day for Qalisa residents ended in relief, with the city’s fire heroes once again proving they are ready to put their lives on the line to keep Bulawayo safe.
Glowing tales of Bulawayo’s “super hero” fire fighters are fast becoming the talk of the country, with the brigade racking up life-saving wins week after week.
In recent weeks, the fearless crew saved millions of dollars’ worth of infrastructure at the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) when a raging inferno threatened to engulf the campus.
Not long before that, they were in action on the Bulawayo-Harare Highway, battling danger after a fuel tanker overturned, spilling thousands of litres of petrol and diesel.
Their swift response averted a potential fireball disaster that could have claimed lives and left a trail of destruction.
From saving classrooms to stopping explosions, the city’s fire fighters are proving time and again that when flames rise, they rise higher – true heroes in red.