Die verwoestende brande die afgelope tyd het alle gemeenskapslede se aandag vasgevang. Enorme skades is oral aangerig. Gansbaai Courant het ‘n volledige mediaverklaring van Overstrand Brandweer ontvang, waarvan ‘n verkorte weergawe hierna geplaas is. Gansbaai Brandweerstasie se personeel het hul deel sonder twyfel gedoen, met ‘n gemeenskap wat net trots op hulle kan wees. Daar is slegs 6 permanente lede: Gallie Badenhorst is die man in beheer van die Gansbaai / Stanford Stasie, en sy manne is M Ackers, A Mohlabi, T Xovula, J van Lill en E Bosi. Verder word hulle deur 2 kontrakwerkers en vele reserviste bygestaan. Dan het Gansbaai Courant ook by die 60 vrywilligers van Working on Fire besoek afgelê. Hulle is in weermagtente op Gansbaai se Sportgronde gestasioneer.

Die volgende skrywes is deur Gansbaai Courant ontvang:

Farm Heidehof

A very big thank you from Farm Heidehof and surrounding area. You are to be commended on your endurance, stamina, training and politeness, even under extreme duress. We realise that without you guys, we would most likely have lost our livelihood. Also a special thank you to Roger Bailey for his valuable contribution as co-ordinator. You guys Rock! Signed - Residents and employees of Farm Heidehof and surrounding area.

Platbos Forest Reserve

A fire that started on the alien-infested neighbouring property, jumped across the reserve’s fire break and into the forest. The fire blazed in the aliens and repeatedly scorched the forest edge, causing smaller spot fires. Platbos Forest is grateful for the combined efforts of the Overstrand Fire & Rescue, Walkerbay Fynbos Conservancy, Haw & Inglis, Burmar Civils and the Boere Vereniging. Our thanks also to Grootbos Estate for offering further assistance if required, and the many neighbours and members of the community who arrived to lend a helping hand. Special thanks to Flippie Groenewald of De Ujlenes and Piet Summs and his team of helpers from Berg en Dal who helped us put out spot fires in the forest late at night. Had it not been for this great team of fire-fighters, the damage to the forest would have been far greater. Unfortunately about 1000 square meters of forest was damaged and some beautiful old trees burnt out.                                              Melissa Kruger

Hardus Botha

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