PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - "Treasured possessions are gone, emotions and scars will fade, injuries heal and most properties have been restored or replaced, but the lives lost and lessons learned will never be forgotten."
These were the words of Plettenberg Bay volunteer firefighters as they remembered the loss of their fallen "brother" Bradley Richards, who succumbed to injuries sustained during the June 2017 fires.
These volunteers played a major role in efforts to battle the inferno and support professional firefighters during the disaster.
Richards (24), a Plettenberg Bay South Fire Management Unit (FMU) volunteer, died in the George Mediclinic on 9 June 2017 after a fire two days earlier turned on him and his fellow firefighters in the middle of the Harkerville forest.
Making strides since 2017
Since his death many efforts have been made to ensure that volunteers receive the necessary training and equipment to assist during fire emergencies.
FMU member Steve Ritky said that over the past two years, 48 volunteers have done comprehensive training and all crew members now have a set of wildland firefighter protective clothing including lights, boots and head gear.
He added that all their older "Buffel strike units" have been refitted and fully equipped including with radios. An independent radio network, with links to among others more than 50 hand radios, has been established to ensure clear command.
Two new Buffels have been built up and a third is being completed. An additional FMU has also been established and is fully functional in the Wittedrift and Uplands area.
Over 2km of fire hose
Ritky said they now also have about 2.2km of fire hose of various sizes, all fitted to match each other and with Bitou Fire Department equipment.
More than 15 650-litre (water capacity) skid units are on standby or on call, there are also eight standalone pumps with conversion couplings to suit. They also have grid-referenced maps of almost all farms, numbered, for the entire Bitou area.
Following the fires, these goals were reached after the establishment of the fundraising initiative Sounds the Call, but Ritky said more training is required for existing and new crew members, and they also need new boots. He added there are also roadworthy, licensing and insurance needed for some of the vehicles.
"And of course we will always need the support of the people of Bitou. Equipment and clothing takes a beating, even in training. It is very expensive stuff! Please continue to support your volunteers through the Sounds the Call nonprofit organisation.
"To say we are ready to take it on now would be foolish and reckless, but combined with an exceptional relationship with and under the command of our career brothers and sisters at Bitou Fire and Rescue Department, we sure could give the beast a full kick in the backside."
A memorial service for volunteer firefighter Bradley Richards was held at the Plett Community Church recently. Photo: Ewald Stander
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