WATCH Frightening Scenes of Runaway Fire in Betty’s Bay – Filmed by Justin Sullivan

Award-winning South African photographer Justin Sullivan has captured on film some of the frightening scenes from yesterday’s Day from Hell in the Overberg, South Africa, where three large runaway fires were fuelled by strong winds pounding the coastline at gusts of close to 100km/h… creating an inferno.

Justin was on the scene in Betty’s Bay on Friday afternoon, braving the fire to not only capture this footage for “Walking with Fire: A Wildfire Documentary”, but to also help save some of the residents.

“It was hectic stuff yesterday,” Justin – who’s photographed several fires – told SAPeople. “My car actually caught fire saving some of these people. Luckily i managed to put it out in time!!!”

Justin arrived in Betty’s Bay shortly before 14h00 “as the fire barrelled down into the Eastern part of the town.”

He says: “I’m so grateful for being in the right place at the right time to assist people in need, particularly an elderly couple whose car had caught on fire as they were trying to escape.

“Our thoughts are with all those affected by these runaway fires and our heartfelt praise to everyone who helped throughout the afternoon and into the evening – Firefighters and their support teams, Volunteers, Officials and the surrounding communities all came to the aid of those in need!”

Justin says the dogs seen barking in the video were not left alone. “The owner was on the property,” he confirms.

According to Justin 31 residential properties were “completely destroyed” and 28 further properties sustained partial damage.

Fortunately the rains came yesterday afternoon, and it appears that the worst may finally be over. The Betty’s Bay Fire is believed to have begun on New Year’s Eve when someone set off a flare which set light to the mountains. A 34-year-old man has been arrested.

WATCH Runaway Fire at Betty’s Bay, South Africa

https://www.facebook.com/SullivanPhotographyZA/videos/2228685280785789/

URGENT Donations can be dropped off directly at Crassula Hall in Betty’s Bay, and the Hermanus Community Policing Forum will accept donations on a 24-hour basis at the Hermanus Fire and Rescue and Disaster Management offices in 14 Mussel Road, Hermanus Industrial Area.

Donations may also be made to the Overstrand Municipality Executive Mayor’s Special Fund to assist the Betty’s Bay, Hangklip, Pringle Bay and Rooiels areas:

ACCOUNT HOLDER: Overstrand Municipality
ACCOUNT TYPE: Current Account
BANK: ABSA Bank
BRANCH: Hermanus
BRANCH CODE: 334-812
ACCOUNT NUMBER: 3220 000 035
PAYMENT REFERENCE: Mayoral Fund-B/Bay Fire followed by either the words (*reward*) or (*support*).

and…

HERMANUS:
Camphill Village in the Hemel-en-Aarde (for adults with intellectual disabilities)
Irma 083 311 4614 (cell)
021 200 2234
Looking for assistance with pipes (no water)
Animal food
Fencing to control animals