Tokai resident commends firefighters for their swift action in extinguishing veld fire

William Holderness,

Tokai

On the afternoon of Saturday, January 24, lower Tokai Park was suddenly ablaze with high flames, crackling bushes, and thick smoke. 

Anxious Forest Glade Estate residents sprang into action, spraying water along their northern boundary fence. 

Just in time, the speedy arrival of fire engines and bush beaters brought some reassurance. Soon after, a much-needed chopper made rapid, repeated water-bombings of the relentless flames.

By nightfall, calm had come, but fire engines, water trucks, and personnel remained on through the night, through to the next day on Sunday, January 25, and into Monday morning, January 26.

We owe thanks to many for this coordinated firefighting achievement, especially four, who are Sandile Nkqayi, Labeebah Nolan, Vuyolwethu Quthu, and Calvin Swartbooi from  Nature Conservation Corporation (NCC) Wildfire Services.

Armed with beaters, rakes, and knapsacks, they are members of the NCC who faithfully kept watch for flare-ups throughout those long hours.

The City’s Fire and Rescue spokesperson Jermaine Carelse responds:

Thank you for your letter of appreciation. While the City of Cape Town’s Fire and Rescue Service is one of the best-equipped municipalities in the country, we also have several organisations that assist in fighting fires, as was the case in this instance.

The incident was reported on Saturday, January 24, as vegetation alight off Spaanschemat River Road, Constantia. As this area was covered with dense, thick vegetation, several crews were on scene.

Table Mountain National Park, NCC Wildfire Services, and Volunteer Wildfire Services were on scene with several ground crews and water tankers.

One chopper assisted with aerial water bombing of the area.

At around 10.30 pm, there were no visible signs of hotspots or flare-ups, and crews were released from the scene. Our gratitude extends to everyone on scene and to the many volunteers who stepped up when needed.