Support from public is crucial

Donations and public support play a major role in helping firefighters battle uncontrollable blazes, especially during the fire season.

With recent fires in Somerset West, Paarl, Signal Hill, and Deer Park, firefighters are required to work long hours, and finding time to rest can be challenging.

Ryan Morris, a former firefighter turned paramedic who was at the scene of Monday night’s Deer Park fire, expressed just how vital public support is.

“There is a lot monitoring, planning, and allocation of resources.

“The more money raised, the better equipment they can get to be more prepared to help the community.

“Everyone has to do their bit, and every little bit counts. We aren’t living in a country with top equipment, that is where volunteer services fill the gap.”

Morris explained that it is up to everyone to help in any way they can, and that while not all people are cut out to be firefighters, many can help in other ways.

“Whether it means volunteering as firefighters, giving a cash donation or donating food. All the extra little bits help.

“The feeling of going out there and being able to make a difference, the idea of knowing that I’m not sitting back is why many men and women do it. A lot of them don’t do it for the recognition.”

Volunteer Wildfire Service’s Newlands station manager, John-John Emary, echoed that community support is what helps them through the long nights.

“It is very important that everyone from the community gets involved. We cannot rely on our government for 100% support.

“If we can’t get involved, it’s not right to expect the government to get involved.”