Family and I are deeply thankful to firefighters

WE VALUE feedback and engagement because the Cape Argus prides itself as a platform that keeps our readers in conversation. But we also see our role, among others, as a bridge builder in society and not one that breaks down the fabric of society.

We look forward to robust but responsible engagement on our pages. If we fall short of our own standards, we are confident you, the readers, will let us know. LAST week, as well as after the Cape Town “Show You Care Solidarity Ride” Cycle Tour, there were numerous calls to put faces to our firefighter heroes. Here is a picture I took I took at the Lakeside Fire Station yesterday, when I went to thank them personally.

As a token of our thanks and gratitude I gave them the banner I made for the Cycle Tour on Sunday, which they are holding in the photo.

My family and I are deeply thankful. We live on the boundary of Lower Tokai Plantation. On Tuesday last week the upper plantation was burning. The fire was advancing at an incredible speed and it was terrifying to watch it reaching the lower parts by evening.

As I was watering the boundary I could see huge flame tornados leaping into the air.

We have lived in Cape Town for more than 20 years but have never seen a fire so intense. We really feel that if it hadn’t been for the bravery of the firefighters many more homes would not be standing today, including ours. SANDRA HEWITSON Tokai