Sol Plaatje Municipality firefighter injured fighting blaze

A FIREFIGHTER from the Sol Plaatje Municiaplity’s fire department has sustained burn injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment after assisting in fighting the massive veld fires that have erupted on several farms near Kimberley.

Municipal spokesperson, Sello Matsie, confirmed that the fire fighter, who is employed by the municipality, sustained burns on his chest and arm.

The municipality’s fire department stepped in and provided fire personnel as well as a water tank to supply water to the firefighters. The water was used to fill the skid units of the farmers in areas that have been hit by the massive veld fires in the Free State and Northern Cape.

“Around 150 fire fighters, as well as 50 vehicles, are currently battling the fires and private companies and individuals have also come together, providing water trucks in an attempt to quell the raging fires,” Matsie said.

Working on Fire also deployed vehicles to the area. However, the strong winds have made it very difficult to bring the flames under control.

According to Matsie, two helicopters have also been brought in to bomb the fire with water on farms in the Dealesville, Boshof and Windsorton areas.