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23 January 2026
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Stricken firefighter rescued from mountains by multi-agency rescue teams
Late on Friday night, 16 January 2026, Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) teams were alerted to an injured firefighter in the Stettynskloof area between Franschhoek and Du Toitskloof. While working tirelessly on a fire front in this remote mountain area, a 42-year-old CapeNature firefighter suffered a leg injury and was forced to spend the night on the mountain - her team by her side, keeping her safe until help arrived.
At first light on Saturday, a multi-agency rescue operation was launched. A small rescue team on board the Western Cape Government Health and Wellness EMS/Air Mercy Service (AMS) rescue helicopter, in coordination with the Department of Water Affairs, CapeNature and Cape Winelands District Municipality Fire Services, was deployed to reach the injured firefighter.
Meticulous planning on Friday evening by specialist WSAR teams, who established the communication framework used throughout the rescue, allowed the operation to proceed safely despite the remote and challenging location.
Carefully negotiating the steep, rugged terrain, rescuers reached the firefighter, where a paramedic provided essential on-scene treatment. She was then airlifted to a nearby landing zone and handed over to ambulance services for transport to hospital.
The operation was successfully concluded shortly before 11h00 on Saturday.
Firefighting teams have faced an exceptionally busy and demanding season, often operating in challenging and hazardous conditions.
We join the communities of the Western Cape in recognising and appreciating the commitment, bravery and professionalism of all firefighters and the vital role they play in protecting both people and the natural environment.
We are grateful to be able to contribute, in a small way, to supporting their efforts, and thank all responding teams and agencies for their continued dedication and cooperation.
We wish our brave patient a full and speedy recovery.
Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) is a network of government agencies and civilian volunteer organisations, who partner in search and rescue. Save and share the correct Emergency Contact Number: Tel: 021 937 0300. Please support us: https://wsar.org.za/support-us/
Photos by Rescue Team
Source: Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) Western Cape
At first light on Saturday, a multi-agency rescue operation was launched. A small rescue team on board the Western Cape Government Health and Wellness EMS/Air Mercy Service (AMS) rescue helicopter, in coordination with the Department of Water Affairs, CapeNature and Cape Winelands District Municipality Fire Services, was deployed to reach the injured firefighter.
Meticulous planning on Friday evening by specialist WSAR teams, who established the communication framework used throughout the rescue, allowed the operation to proceed safely despite the remote and challenging location.
Carefully negotiating the steep, rugged terrain, rescuers reached the firefighter, where a paramedic provided essential on-scene treatment. She was then airlifted to a nearby landing zone and handed over to ambulance services for transport to hospital.
The operation was successfully concluded shortly before 11h00 on Saturday.
Firefighting teams have faced an exceptionally busy and demanding season, often operating in challenging and hazardous conditions.
We join the communities of the Western Cape in recognising and appreciating the commitment, bravery and professionalism of all firefighters and the vital role they play in protecting both people and the natural environment.
We are grateful to be able to contribute, in a small way, to supporting their efforts, and thank all responding teams and agencies for their continued dedication and cooperation.
We wish our brave patient a full and speedy recovery.
Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) is a network of government agencies and civilian volunteer organisations, who partner in search and rescue. Save and share the correct Emergency Contact Number: Tel: 021 937 0300. Please support us: https://wsar.org.za/support-us/
Photos by Rescue Team
Source: Wilderness Search and Rescue (WSAR) Western Cape