Five firefighters sustained injuries as efforts to contain the blaze near Castle Rock, Simons Town, continues

Five firefighters sustained injuries and two others were taken to hospital, as firefighters continue to battle the blaze near Castle Rock, Simons Town, that broke out on Tuesday morning.

PHOTO: Facebook - JP Smith

The City of Cape Town’s Fire & Rescue Service spokesperson, Jermaine Carelse, commended firefighters for working throughout the night to try and contain the blaze. Carelse provided an update on Wednesday morning.

‘’We would like to commend the firefighting efforts of not only our City staff, but those from TMNP, NCC, WOF, VWS and DRM volunteers who worked tirelessly throughout the night to keep the community safe.’’

‘’Currently three choppers are water bombing the area while over 300 staff are still on the ground. Only a single derelict building was damaged last night at around 20:00 on the grounds of the SA Navy,’’ added Jermaine Carelse, City of Cape Town’s Fire & Rescue Service spokesperson.

PHOTO - Facebook: SANParks - Table Mountain National Park

He said the threat to the houses on Victory, Horatio and Barnard Streets was everted in the early hours of Wednesday morning, adding that residents of Harbour Heights were evacuated as a precautionary measure just before 1a.m

Mayoral Committee member for Safety & Security, JP Smith, too applauded firefighters for their work.

‘’These firefighters, swollen eyes, are exhausted and trying to catch some sleep, but ready to jump up and spring back into action if the need arises. They are sleeping in front of the houses that may need their protection again. They have my deepest appreciation. Share this post and make them famous.’’

‘’To our Disaster Risk volunteers who joined in to help. To our Traffic Services who performed road closures where needed. And even our Law Enforcement volunteers, who when our firefighters, after having thrown everything at it and often each struggling alone on the mountain side as we put as many lines up as possible, to those Law Enforcement officers who climbed up on the slopes to help our firefighters drag their hoses. I am filled with appreciation. To all of our directorate, please accept my deepest gratitude. Cape Town is blessed,’’ he added.

PHOTO: Facebook - JP Smith

Table Mountain National Park’s Integrated Fire Manager, Justin Buchman, said no houses have been lost behind Simons Town, though one building at Signal School sustained damage.

The Animal Welfare Society of South Africa said it rescued 9 rabbits and 3 dogs on Tuesday night, following the devastating fire. It added that they will stay on the ground to assist and help any animal in need.

The public are urged to donate non-perishable goods, and these include energy drinks, energy sweets, water, chocolates, cooldrinks, eye drops, dog food, rabbit food, silbecor wound ointment, bandages, blankets, towels, newspaper, etc.

 

Done By: Mitchum George