Five women and a man employed as private firefighters by Farmusa Contracting died on Sunday while battling a blaze, allegedly started by poachers.
Five women and a man employed as private firefighters by Farmusa Contracting died on Sunday while battling a blaze, allegedly started by poachers, along the Boston and Impendle Roads, close to Bulwer.
Sappi said the crew of 15 Farmusa staff, a Sappi forester and three fire trucks were providing assistance to fight fires on Sterling Farm.
The farm is adjacent to the Sappi Pinewoods plantation and according to the company, 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.”
The company said the adverse weather contributed to uncontrollable fires which 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.”
Duane Roothman, vice-president of Sappi Forests, said no matter how prepared they are for the fire season, including extensive training that is undertaken, their worst fear is 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,” said Roothman.
Sappi said adverse weather in KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga have led to wildfires raging for the last 10 days in the areas around its 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.”
Sappi said it would continue to assist, support and lead firefighting activities to protect not only its own assets, but those of its neighbouring communities and landowners.
The company said the firefighters died during heroic efforts while delivering selfless service to their communities.
“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,” said Roothman.
uMngeni Municipality mayor Chris Pappas said the fire is alleged to have been started by poachers.
“The grass fire then ran away and became uncontrolled. Adverse weather conditions made matters worse and soon firefighters found themselves in a dangerous position.
“A number of firefighters explained how they tried to implement safety controls but unfortunately the sudden turn in conditions led to the loss of life,” he said.
General manager of Working on Fire (WOF)–Kishugu Joint Venture in KZN, Stephen Boyes, said WOF has had one of the busiest weeks since the start of the winter fire season in June.
Boyes said they responded to 92 fires after receiving calls by partners and landowners to assist from July 8-14.
“This is a drastic and disturbing spike in the number of fires in the province, compared to the 51 fires we have recorded from January to June of this year.
“In July alone we have assisted in 127 fires, we are currently at the heart of the winter fire season as August is generally known as the windiest month.”
He said all hands must be on deck to ensure that they survive this winter fire season as climate change has greatly impacted the weather creating these intense fires that burn for over two days, day and night.
“We wish to express our deep sadness for the tragic loss of the brave man and women who succumbed to injuries sustained during the devastating fire incident in the KZN Midlands.
“Their dedication and selflessness in the face of danger show the true spirit of service and sacrifice that defines our firefighting community,” Boyes said.
The Mercury
Related Topics: