eThekwini Municipality publishes separate numbers for fire, disaster management and policing, rather than routing emergencies through its general switchboard. Use the specific number for your emergency.
eThekwini emergency contact details
| Fire brigade | 031 361 0000 |
| Disaster Management (weekdays) | 031 367 0000 |
| Police | 10111 (24 hours) |
| Ambulance | 10177 |
| Emergency from a mobile phone (all networks) | 112 |
| Municipal switchboard | 031 311 1111 |
Source: durban.gov.za, Public Safety and Emergency Services.
If a fire starts
eThekwini’s own fire safety guidance is direct: get out of the structure that is on fire, call the fire brigade on 031 361 0000, and do not go back inside. Wait for the fire service to arrive rather than attempting a rescue or re-entry yourself.
Which number to call
- Fire, including veld and structural fires: 031 361 0000
- Flooding, storm damage and other disasters: Disaster Management on 031 367 0000 during weekdays
- Crime in progress: 10111
- Medical emergency: 10177, or 112 from any mobile phone
If you are unsure, 112 works from any mobile phone on any network and will route you to an emergency operator.
What to tell the operator
Give the exact street address or nearest cross street and a recognisable landmark, say what has happened and whether anyone is injured or trapped, and stay on the line until the operator has what they need. Do not hang up to call another number unless you are told to.
Related eThekwini pages
- eThekwini Municipality contact details
- eThekwini water contact details
- eThekwini electricity contact details
- Municipal emergency numbers South Africa
FAQs
- What is the Durban fire brigade number? 031 361 0000.
- Who do I call about flooding or storm damage? eThekwini Disaster Management on 031 367 0000 during weekdays.
- What if I do not know which service I need? Dial 112 from any mobile phone and an operator will route your call.