Firefighters and emergency responders acknowledged | Western Cape Government

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Firefighters and emergency responders acknowledged

2 March 2021

The wildfire in the Jonkershoek Mountains has been 99% contained. Cape Winelands District Municipality’s Fire Services and CapeNature continues to mop up and monitor for flare ups.

Anton Bredell, the minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning in the Western Cape, has thanked all the firefighters and partners who have assisted in fighting this major fire that has been burning for more than a week.

“The people involved in the firefighting operations all deserve our thanks. These include volunteers, regular firefighters, Working on Fire, the pilots and contractors flying the aerial resources and in particular the South African National Defence Force who sent one of the airforce’s Oryx helicopters to assist over the weekend.”

Bredell says the aerial support along with better weather from Sunday afternoon, assisted greatly.

“There was no loss to property. Sadly we had two firefighters injured in the line of duty. They continue to recuperate in hospital and our thoughts are with them and their families.”

Elsewhere in the province other wildfires have also been posing headaches too. These include fires in Swellendam, Botrivier and Overstrand where the vigilance and quick response by Overstrand Municipality & landowners averted a mountain fire.

“Conditions across large parts of the province remain hot and windy which poses risk for further fires. We urge the public to assist us by reporting smoke and fire as soon as possible. The easiest number to call is 112.”

Media Enquiries: 

James-Brent Styan

Spokesperson for the Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Anton Bredell

Mobile:                   084 583 1670

Telephone:            021 483 2820

E-mail:                    James-Brent.Styan@westerncape.gov.za