HIS Majesty King Mswati III has implored government to capacitate the Eswatini National Fire Rescue and Emergency Services (ENFRES) in terms of adequate equipment so as to respond swiftly and effectively to emergencies.
He said the country’s growing infrastructure and the presence of a Strategic Oil Reserve make it increasingly important for the department to have enough resources.
The king called on government to ensure that the service has the necessary firefighting equipment, vehicles and other resources to carry out its duties effectively.
He was speaking during the third National Fire Day commemoration held at Matsapha Airport yesterday. The event was held under the theme, ‘Advancing Fire Safety, Rescue, and National Service in the Spirit of Agape Love’.
He said the theme served as a reminder that protecting one another and the environment was a shared national responsibility.
He stressed that an effective fire and rescue service needed to be fully equipped with the resources and tools required to respond to public calls, extinguish fires and perform other emergency duties. He appealed to government to make these essential resources available, noting that this would help build public confidence in the country’s emergency response services and reassure businesses and investors that their lives, property and investments were protected.
The king also highlighted the need for ENFRES personnel to continuously upgrade their skills to keep pace with the country’s development.
He said national development involved protecting agricultural yields in rural areas while also securing high-rise infrastructure in urban centres, requiring firefighters and rescuers to acquire the professional training necessary to handle increasingly complex emergencies.
According to the king, a well-prepared fire and rescue service would provide investors with confidence that their investments, lives and property were adequately protected.
He further commended ENFRES for working closely with other security forces and emergency services when responding to incidents.
The king said the value of this cooperation had been demonstrated during industrial fires, road traffic accidents, structural collapses and other emergencies.
He encouraged all security forces to continue strengthening collaboration to improve emergency response and safeguard the nation.
Citizens have role to play in firefighting
PREVENTING fires and protecting lives and property should not be left to firefighters alone, as every citizen has a role to play in ensuring fire safety.
His Majesty King Mswati III called on citizens to take greater responsibility for fire prevention, including reporting fires promptly, avoiding careless use of open flames and keeping fire extinguishers in vehicles to contain fires before emergency teams arrive.
He highlighted the dangers posed by uncontrolled veld fires, particularly during the dry winter season. The king noted that such fires could spread rapidly, destroying homes, agricultural produce, livestock and other valuable assets, especially in rural communities.
He commended the ENFRES for conducting nationwide fire safety and disaster awareness campaigns, saying the involvement of traditional leaders and community members demonstrated the importance of partnerships in addressing fire-related challenges.
He stressed that community training and mobilisation were essential in preparing people to respond to emergencies. He also called for continued public education through media platforms on the dangers of uncontrolled veld fires, the burning of homestead waste and the importance of taking precautions to prevent fires from spreading.
The king urged citizens to raise the alarm whenever they noticed a fire so that ENFRES could respond promptly.
He expressed concern over fires that had destroyed businesses and other structures in Matsapha and elsewhere, noting that the damage often amounted to millions of Emalangeni. He said the destruction of businesses also threatened the livelihoods of workers who could lose their jobs as a result.
The king further suggested that motorists, public transport operators and owners of commercial vehicles and trucks should consider keeping small fire extinguishers in their vehicles.
He observed that some vehicles were completely destroyed by fire following accidents because members of the public lacked the means to extinguish the flames before emergency teams arrived.
He encouraged traditional leaders and businesses to continue educating communities and employees about responsible fire safety practices, particularly when handling open flames. Parents and guardians were also urged to work with the fire service to teach children about fire safety, while farmers and landowners were advised to take the necessary precautions when conducting controlled burning. The king warned that even a small fire caused by a discarded cigarette butt could develop into a major disaster if left unattended, threatening lives, destroying property and undermining livelihoods.
He welcomed reports that fire incidents had declined by about 13% compared with the previous year, commending ENFRES for the achievement.
However, he cautioned against complacency, emphasising that sustained public participation was necessary to further reduce fire incidents because the fire and rescue service could not prevent all incidents without the active involvement of communities.
Govt pledges to strengthen fire services
PRIME Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini has pledged that government will continue strengthening the capacity of the Fire and Emergency Services to meet international standards as Eswatini works towards attaining first-world status.
Dlamini said this during the commemoration of the third National Fire and Emergency Day, where he highlighted the importance of fire prevention, emergency preparedness and protecting lives and property.
He said fires continued to claim lives and destroy property worldwide, with the kingdom also exposed to the risk, making it necessary for the country to strengthen its ability to prevent and respond to emergencies.
The premier said government, through the Fire and Emergency Services, remained committed to preventing fires, protecting communities and preserving property.
He added that strengthening emergency services and institutional capacity was a shared national responsibility that required continued commitment.
Dlamini said the presence of His Majesty at the commemoration underscored the importance government attached to fire safety standards and emergency preparedness.
He also expressed appreciation to the king for establishing and supporting the National Fire and Emergency Day commemoration since 2024. According to the prime minister, the annual observance serves to raise awareness of fire prevention, improve emergency preparedness and strengthen the country’s resilience.
He said expanding emergency services and improving their capacity remained part of government’s commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of citizens.
| Aspect | Reported Details |
|---|---|
| Event | 3rd National Fire and Emergency Day Commemoration |
| Venue | Matsapha Airport |
| Theme | ‘Advancing Fire Safety, Rescue, and National Service in the Spirit of Agape Love’ |
| Key Drivers for Capacity | Expanding national infrastructure, urban high-rise buildings, and the Strategic Oil Reserve |
| Reported Fire Trend | Fire incidents declined by approximately 13% compared to the previous year |
| Commemoration History | Established and supported by His Majesty King Mswati III since 2024 |
Source: Report by Bongiwe Dlamini.
| Target Group | Specific Directives & Calls to Action |
|---|---|
| Government | Adequately fund and equip ENFRES with vehicles, modern firefighting equipment, and ongoing professional skills training. |
| Motorists & Transporters | Keep small fire extinguishers inside private cars, public transport vehicles, and commercial trucks. |
| General Public & Communities | Promptly report fires, avoid careless handling of open flames and waste burning, and stop discarding cigarette butts improperly. |
| Farmers & Landowners | Exercise strict precautions and management during controlled burning to prevent uncontrolled veld fires. |
| Traditional Leaders & Businesses | Conduct ongoing education on fire safety practices for community members and employees. |
Source: Eswatini Observer Newsdesk.
