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19 July 2024
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Six firefighters killed in wildfire in uMngeni, KwaZulu-Natal
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Six firefighters were killed after being caught fighting a veldfire in Boston, KwaZulu-Natal on Sunday, 14 July 2024. Three women firefighters died early on Sunday morning while three died in hospital in the evening. Firefighters, still in shock, comforted each other in groups. The area was dark, dry, and the smell of smoke was pervasive. Up above, firefighting aircraft dropped litres of water on the flames.
The official media release from Sappi stated, “In a tragic turn of events, six brave employees of Farmusa Contracting (Farmusa), a contractor to Sappi Forests for firefighting and silviculture services, lost their lives earlier today. They were providing assistance to fight fires on the Sterling Farm, about 30kms away from Bulwer in southern KwaZulu-Natal. The farm is adjacent to the Sappi Pinewoods plantation and fires had been raging on the farm since around 3am. Sappi was contacted shortly after 10am by the farm owner, seeking assistance with fighting the fires. A firefighting crew consisting of 16 people (15 Farmusa staff and a Sappi forester) was dispatched to the scene with three fire trucks.”
The adverse weather conditions contributed to uncontrollable fires which ultimately trapped eight members of the team. In the tragic events that ensued, three firefighters were unable to escape and suffered fatal wounds at the scene. While five escaped, three with severe burns were airlifted to hospital but subsequently succumbed to their wounds. The other two remain in hospital.
Adverse weather conditions in KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga have led to wildfires raging for the last 10 days in the areas around Sappi’s plantations. All forestry personnel and our forestry contractors have been stretched to the limit, having to contain hundreds of fires. The causes and impacts of all these fires have not yet been assessed. “No matter how prepared we are for the fire season, including extensive training that is undertaken, our worst fear remains any loss of life. Sappi is shocked and deeply affected by this tragic incident, and we express our sincere condolences to Farmusa and the families of the deceased”, commented Duane Roothman, Vice President Sappi Forests.
Sappi will continue to work tirelessly with all the fire protection associations to prevent and combat fires in all its areas of operations. It will continue to assist, support and lead firefighting activities to protect its own assets but equally importantly that of its neighbouring communities and landowners.
“We pay tribute to the people who died in these fires today for their heroic efforts that cost them their lives whilst delivering selfless service to their communities,” said Roothman. “The devastating effects of wildfires cannot ever be underestimated, and this tragic event underlines the absolute importance for all community members to be vigilant and to take ultimate care at all times in being aware and prepared during fire season,” he said.
Farmusa management ensured that the families of the deceased were notified and will receive all support that might be required. Sappi will assist where necessary and ensure that Farmusa and Sappi staff involved in this operation receive trauma counselling.
Medical response
According to Midlands EMS spokesperson Roland Robertson their crews were dispatched to the Boston area where multiple firefighters were injured in a veld fire. “Upon arrival, the paramedics were met with a tragic scene, with multiple patients still on fire and several deceased,” Robertson said. “Midlands EMS crews, along with Midlands EMS rescue medics, worked to stabilise several patients on the scene while the veld fire continued to rage and firefighting aircraft attempted to douse the flames.”
Robertson said a decision was made to call in additional backup, including an aeromedical helicopter from Netcare 911 with extra equipment to assist on the scene.
“Three female firefighters were declared deceased on scene while another three firefighters were placed on ventilators on the scene, with one being airlifted to the hospital. Two other patients were also in critical condition, requiring urgent advanced life support treatment.”
David Somerville, a resident of Stirling Farm, said the fire started around 08h00am at the border of their farm and moved towards Adams Hurst. He noted that fires in the area were usually poacher-related. Somerville said the area is rich in biodiversity, which includes Midland’s dwarf chameleons, Karkloof Blue Butterflies and various game species.
Msunduzi Fire Department Chief Essack Khan described the losses as heartbreaking. “These were specialised forest firefighters and their mission was to protect not only the forest but homes, lives and livestock,” said Chief Khan.
Station commander from Msunduzi, Vusi Nene, said a loss of a frontline worker was a loss for their community. “This is sad news, when a police officer, emergency services worker or any frontline worker loses their lives in the call of duty that is a great loss indeed,” he said.
Veteran firefighter Kegan Pillay from the uMgungundlovu fire department highlighted the risks faced by firefighters. “Unfortunately, the line of work that we do is risky and we never know what could happen. After 22 years of responding to fires and emergencies, I have been lucky but every time I respond, I am aware that anything can happen.”
Fire and Rescue International extend our deepest condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the deceased. We wish those in hospital and injured a full recovery. We commend the response and dedication of our firefighters and first responders and what the deal with on a daily basis.
Quote of the week
“What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.” ~ Nelson Mandela
Fire and Rescue International is your magazine.
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Lee Raath-Brownie
Managing director
Cell: 082 371 0190
Contact us
Tel: 011 452 3135 or Email: [email protected]
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The official media release from Sappi stated, “In a tragic turn of events, six brave employees of Farmusa Contracting (Farmusa), a contractor to Sappi Forests for firefighting and silviculture services, lost their lives earlier today. They were providing assistance to fight fires on the Sterling Farm, about 30kms away from Bulwer in southern KwaZulu-Natal. The farm is adjacent to the Sappi Pinewoods plantation and fires had been raging on the farm since around 3am. Sappi was contacted shortly after 10am by the farm owner, seeking assistance with fighting the fires. A firefighting crew consisting of 16 people (15 Farmusa staff and a Sappi forester) was dispatched to the scene with three fire trucks.”
The adverse weather conditions contributed to uncontrollable fires which ultimately trapped eight members of the team. In the tragic events that ensued, three firefighters were unable to escape and suffered fatal wounds at the scene. While five escaped, three with severe burns were airlifted to hospital but subsequently succumbed to their wounds. The other two remain in hospital.
Adverse weather conditions in KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga have led to wildfires raging for the last 10 days in the areas around Sappi’s plantations. All forestry personnel and our forestry contractors have been stretched to the limit, having to contain hundreds of fires. The causes and impacts of all these fires have not yet been assessed. “No matter how prepared we are for the fire season, including extensive training that is undertaken, our worst fear remains any loss of life. Sappi is shocked and deeply affected by this tragic incident, and we express our sincere condolences to Farmusa and the families of the deceased”, commented Duane Roothman, Vice President Sappi Forests.
Sappi will continue to work tirelessly with all the fire protection associations to prevent and combat fires in all its areas of operations. It will continue to assist, support and lead firefighting activities to protect its own assets but equally importantly that of its neighbouring communities and landowners.
“We pay tribute to the people who died in these fires today for their heroic efforts that cost them their lives whilst delivering selfless service to their communities,” said Roothman. “The devastating effects of wildfires cannot ever be underestimated, and this tragic event underlines the absolute importance for all community members to be vigilant and to take ultimate care at all times in being aware and prepared during fire season,” he said.
Farmusa management ensured that the families of the deceased were notified and will receive all support that might be required. Sappi will assist where necessary and ensure that Farmusa and Sappi staff involved in this operation receive trauma counselling.
Medical response
According to Midlands EMS spokesperson Roland Robertson their crews were dispatched to the Boston area where multiple firefighters were injured in a veld fire. “Upon arrival, the paramedics were met with a tragic scene, with multiple patients still on fire and several deceased,” Robertson said. “Midlands EMS crews, along with Midlands EMS rescue medics, worked to stabilise several patients on the scene while the veld fire continued to rage and firefighting aircraft attempted to douse the flames.”
Robertson said a decision was made to call in additional backup, including an aeromedical helicopter from Netcare 911 with extra equipment to assist on the scene.
“Three female firefighters were declared deceased on scene while another three firefighters were placed on ventilators on the scene, with one being airlifted to the hospital. Two other patients were also in critical condition, requiring urgent advanced life support treatment.”
David Somerville, a resident of Stirling Farm, said the fire started around 08h00am at the border of their farm and moved towards Adams Hurst. He noted that fires in the area were usually poacher-related. Somerville said the area is rich in biodiversity, which includes Midland’s dwarf chameleons, Karkloof Blue Butterflies and various game species.
Msunduzi Fire Department Chief Essack Khan described the losses as heartbreaking. “These were specialised forest firefighters and their mission was to protect not only the forest but homes, lives and livestock,” said Chief Khan.
Station commander from Msunduzi, Vusi Nene, said a loss of a frontline worker was a loss for their community. “This is sad news, when a police officer, emergency services worker or any frontline worker loses their lives in the call of duty that is a great loss indeed,” he said.
Veteran firefighter Kegan Pillay from the uMgungundlovu fire department highlighted the risks faced by firefighters. “Unfortunately, the line of work that we do is risky and we never know what could happen. After 22 years of responding to fires and emergencies, I have been lucky but every time I respond, I am aware that anything can happen.”
Fire and Rescue International extend our deepest condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of the deceased. We wish those in hospital and injured a full recovery. We commend the response and dedication of our firefighters and first responders and what the deal with on a daily basis.
Quote of the week
“What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.” ~ Nelson Mandela
Fire and Rescue International is your magazine.
Read it, use it and share it!
Read the latest magazine: https://www.frimedia.org/fri-vol-7-no-3.html
FRI magazine archive: https://www.frimedia.org/fri-archives.html
Enjoy the read!
Lee Raath-Brownie
Managing director
Cell: 082 371 0190
Contact us
Tel: 011 452 3135 or Email: [email protected]
Websites
www.fireandrescue.co
www.frimedia.org
www.facebook.com/FireandRescueInternational
www.twitter.com/FRI_magazine
http://www.linkedin.com/in/lee-raath-brownie-16668065/
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