PICTURES from Fire in Ocean View and Kommetjie, South Africa
Fires have continued to burn in the Western Cape, South Africa, today with windy conditions proving a challenge to firefighting crews. According to the Volunteer Wildfire Services (VWS) approximately 200 firefighters, from different agencies, are on the line again tonight for what is being called #ScarboroughFire. Photographer JUSTIN SULLIVAN – from Sullivan Photography – was on the […]
Fires have continued to burn in the Western Cape, South Africa, today with windy conditions proving a challenge to firefighting crews. According to the Volunteer Wildfire Services (VWS) approximately 200 firefighters, from different agencies, are on the line again tonight for what is being called #ScarboroughFire.
Photographer JUSTIN SULLIVAN – from Sullivan Photography – was on the scene today…and captured the following images.
“Over 2,000 hectares has been burnt while the NCC Environmental Services, Volunteer Wildfire Services, Firefighters and Residents are still battling to control the flames,” he said.
“Strong winds and unpredictable gusts made it difficult for ground and air work.
“Well done to everyone involved and we are sending strength to those who may be working through the night.
“A big thank you to NCC for providing me with Kit and keeping me safe while I document these brave men and woman…
“I stand to be corrected, but when there are desperate times, the fire department resort to using old hoses which may have holes in… This guy was lucky enough to have an old hose with a hole in by his house.”
Local resident Giuam de Korte, who lives on Devil’s Peak and watched the firefighters at work in his area on Sunday, said in a message on facebook that “the firefighters are absolute heroes”.
He wrote: “how they managed to control the fire in the strongest Black South Easter I have ever experienced is unbelievable…I saw them literally jump into the flames to save my neighbour’s house. No regard for their own safety, only for the job at hand – which is to save others. I salute you all!”
SAPeople contributor and local paramedic Alan Rudnicki said: “Big ups to all those amazing fire fighters dealing with the relentless and difficult task of fighting all these terrible fires.
“I actually know quite a few of these guys and girls and from a personal level I know how difficult it is.”
Jadon Bester – from JBest Photography – said “it definitely takes some really brave and determined individuals working together to put out such a great life-threatening occurence.”
Jadon captured the following photos this afternoon on Slangkop Mountains, behind Ocean View, Cape Town:
“Helicopters collecting water…
“Lots of flammable vegetation, so dependent on our protection.
Under the scorching sun. “Impossible to miss, the sound of helicopter ovehead!”
“Educating the little ones in the process 🙂 ”
Not only brave, but kind too…
VWS said: “Once again the greater Cape Town Community has risen to the occasion in support of our emergency services – Thank You!! Wishing all crews a safe night on the fire line tonight.”
TO HELP
If you would like to help please contact Geraldene Corder Nee-Hart (082 888 9706)
to coordinate.
ROAD CLOSURES: Scarborough Main Road remains closed between Red Hill Rd and Kommetjie. Please continue to allow emergency vehicles through the traffic.
Officials ask that for your own safety, please avoid the area.
MORE PHOTOS
Firefighters’ team effort, Misty Cliffs, Cape Town, South Africa