During this time, amongst others, we had 3 major fires in the Overstrand and Overburg areas, which really tested staff, the area and the resources to the limit and beyond
We had a fire in Betties Bay which caused the destruction and damaged some 50 homes, and more than 5000 hectares. This fire started as the result of a flare having been shot at New Year
In Hermanus at the same time we had a fire starting in Karwyderskraal, which also quickly spread through the Hemel en Aarde valley and came over the mountain stopping just before the houses in the Hermanus area.
At the same time a fire broke out near Masakhane in Gansbaai , which also quickly spread towards Franskraal. This fire also destroyed 6 houses.
The above fires broke out and spread extremely quickly due to very unfavourable conditions. All three areas had to be evacuated during this time. More than 14000 hectares have been destroyed during these fires
It was so amazing to see how all the teams and parties worked together under these very trying conditions. From the various fire teams from various places, to law enforcement , traffic, volunteer groups, SPCA, members of neighbourhood watches, security companies, and members of the communities donating various things for the personnel working. It was also amazing the various church groups we had together praying as well.
1 Life Rescue assisted during the events with the following :
- Food and refreshments distribution
- Sourcing refreshments
- Assisting members of the community and staff that were injured or traumatised
- Motivation and supporting staff working
- Assisting persons having lost their homes to get help from various agencies
- Locating lost families or family members
- Assisting to find places to stay for families in need
- Assisting persons trapped in their houses and helping to bring them to a place of safety
- Fire monitoring
- Assisting with animal evacuations
After these terrible events 1 Life Rescue’s work is not finished. We are providing trauma counselling to amongst others listed below who have been affected during the fire:
- Staff who fought the fire or worked in related roles
- People who lost their homes in the fire
- Other members of the public affected
- Members of the public and staff injured as a result of the fire
- Camphill school, a school for special needs children, teachers and workers , who had to all evacuate the area under very traumatic circumstances
- Camphill farm community , who were also severely affected due to the trauma of evacuation under the circumstances
Such events have certainly not left us the same and hopefully with more depth and understanding. It was a very sad time, but yet a very special time for us to help make a difference in so many people’s lives, and experience the privilege of being His hands and feet in time of extreme need. It was also an extreme privilege for us to meet so many very special people during this time. It was also so awesome to see God working is so many amazing ways , and His answered prayer.
Thank you to those assisting 1 Life Rescue to help those in time of need.
During this time, amongst others, we had 3 major fires in the Overstrand and Overburg areas, which really tested staff, the area and the resources to the limit and beyond
We had a fire in Betties Bay which caused the destruction and damaged some 50 homes, and more than 5000 hectares. This fire started as the result of a flare having been shot at New Year
In Hermanus at the same time we had a fire starting in Karwyderskraal, which also quickly spread through the Hemel en Aarde valley and came over the mountain stopping just before the houses in the Hermanus area.
At the same time a fire broke out near Masakhane in Gansbaai , which also quickly spread towards Franskraal. This fire also destroyed 6 houses.
The above fires broke out and spread extremely quickly due to very unfavourable conditions. All three areas had to be evacuated during this time. More than 14000 hectares have been destroyed during these fires
It was so amazing to see how all the teams and parties worked together under these very trying conditions. From the various fire teams from various places, to law enforcement , traffic, volunteer groups, SPCA, members of neighbourhood watches, security companies, and members of the communities donating various things for the personnel working. It was also amazing the various church groups we had together praying as well.
1 Life Rescue assisted during the events with the following :
- Food and refreshments distribution
- Sourcing refreshments
- Assisting members of the community and staff that were injured or traumatised
- Motivation and supporting staff working
- Assisting persons having lost their homes to get help from various agencies
- Locating lost families or family members
- Assisting to find places to stay for families in need
- Assisting persons trapped in their houses and helping to bring them to a place of safety
- Fire monitoring
- Assisting with animal evacuations
After these terrible events 1 Life Rescue’s work is not finished. We are providing trauma counselling to amongst others listed below who have been affected during the fire:
- Staff who fought the fire or worked in related roles
- People who lost their homes in the fire
- Other members of the public affected
- Members of the public and staff injured as a result of the fire
- Camphill school, a school for special needs children, teachers and workers , who had to all evacuate the area under very traumatic circumstances
- Camphill farm community , who were also severely affected due to the trauma of evacuation under the circumstances
Such events have certainly not left us the same and hopefully with more depth and understanding. It was a very sad time, but yet a very special time for us to help make a difference in so many people’s lives, and experience the privilege of being His hands and feet in time of extreme need. It was also an extreme privilege for us to meet so many very special people during this time. It was also so awesome to see God working is so many amazing ways , and His answered prayer.
Thank you to those assisting 1 Life Rescue to help those in time of need.