Crazy, Tragic, Sad Week for Firefighters in the Western Cape
A powerful photo from Sullivan Photography of the Southern Cross / Donkerhoek Fire, taken Thursday night at 18h20, captures the intensity of the multitude of fires which have blazed across the Simonsberg and Overberg areas in the Western Cape of South Africa in the past couple of weeks… wreaking havoc and causing untold tragedy as […]
A powerful photo from Sullivan Photography of the Southern Cross / Donkerhoek Fire, taken Thursday night at 18h20, captures the intensity of the multitude of fires which have blazed across the Simonsberg and Overberg areas in the Western Cape of South Africa in the past couple of weeks… wreaking havoc and causing untold tragedy as the firefighting community lost two of its own.
Capetonian photographer Justin Sullivan said on Friday: “It’s been a crazy week for firefighters across the province.”
Apart from the multitude of never-ending fires, two loyal and brave firefighters have lost their lives battling these fires:
Makelepe Cedric Seokoma
Working on Fire’s (WoF’s) Strand Base Manager, Makelepe Cedric Seokoma (36), was killed on Monday, 5 February 2018, whilst trying to contain a wild fire in the Simonsberg Mountain, near Klapmuts.
The Environmental Minister passed on her department’s condolences and WoF’s Linton Rensburg called it a “A SAD WEEK FOR US!!!” He said the team was mourning their “beloved” base manager, Seokoma, who was originally from the Limpopo Province. Seokoma had started at WoF in 2004 and moved up the ranks to crew leader position, and then Instructor.
He leaves behind his wife and children. The funeral service is on Saturday in Tzaneen, Limpopo.
Candice ‘Ashley’ Kruger
On Friday 9 February, the City of Cape Town honoured fallen firefighter Candice Kruger – known as Ashley – with a full brigade funeral at the Roeland Street Fire Station, where she had been stationed.
Volunteer Wildfire Services (VWS) said it was a “somber day” for the wildfire firefighting community. Kruger, who worked for the City’s Fire and Rescue Service for nine years, passed away in the line of duty on the slopes of Table Mountain, at the #PlattekloofGorgeFire, on 28 January 2018.
The 33-year-old had been part of a three-member team fighting a blaze at around 11h00 during hot, dry and windy conditions. They were forced to withdraw from the heat and danger of smoke inhalation… but Kruger collapsed shortly afterwards, and stopped breathing. Medics began CPR on her on the way to hospital but sadly, she was pronounced dead 45 minutes after arrival.
Her wife, Kelly, said “she was my best friend, soulmate and everything I wanted. When I received the news I was shocked and in denial. I am proud that she died doing what she loved but it doesn’t take away the devastating pain that I’m feeling.”
Cape Town Mayor Patricia de Lille saluted Kruger for “the years of brave service to the City” and said “the City will assist the Kruger family with funeral arrangements and will also offer trauma counselling to her relatives and platoon colleagues”.
But the fires rage on…
VWS thanked all its followers for “the recent support during a busy few weeks”… but sadly, it’s not over yet. Late Friday night, VWS tweeted that WoF had reported a new wildfire on Morgonhof farm, and fanned by a strong North Westerly wind it has quickly progressed into High Rustenberg.
“All available resources were deployed, fire is not contained and active fire fighting throughout the night will take place,” said VWS.
Justin Sullivan, who is witnessing the bravery up close during the making of his new documentary ‘Walking with Fire’, says: “#GoodLuck to all teams working tonight. #BeSafe #Respect.”
A somber day for wildfire firefighting community. Firefighter Candice Kruger from the @cptfrs passed away in the line of duty at the #PlattekloofGorgeFire on 28 Jan 2018. Candice will be honoured with a full brigade funeral at the Roeland Street Fire Station today. pic.twitter.com/iuEYSTexH4
— VWS Wildfires (@vwsfires) February 9, 2018
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