The devastating fire that started on Sunday, April 18, has been successfully contained thanks to the relentless efforts by our firefighters. The past three days could be described as an amalgamation of heartbreak, frustration, and community. If the inferno has reiterated anything at all, it’s that the people of Cape Town do not give up.
“It’s times like these that Cape Town never fails to show her true colours. Our firefighters continue to work tirelessly, animal shelters and organisations are on the ball, and the people of this city have delivered on every single level,” writes Cape {Town} Etc’s Robyn Simpson.
SANParks has released a media statement thanking the Mother City’s firefighters for their bravery and dedication.
“South African National Parks (SANParks) would like to thank and praise the bravery and dedication of, amongst others, the firefighters, volunteers, City of Cape Town (CoCT) Fire, and Rescue Services and the Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) rangers in their efforts to contain the fire that caused massive destruction after it started on Sunday, 18 April.”
Without the collective efforts of the 125 TMNP rangers, the 170 fire and rescue workers, the South African National Defence Force, CoCT personnel, law enforcement and the many volunteers, the damage, as devastating as it was, could have been much worse,” says SANParks CEO Fundisile Mketeni.
Read also: The blame game has started: Parkscape lashes out at SANParks
We are overwhelmed by the generosity shown by the community to our firefighters, students, wild animals and beyond. To those who have stepped up, the Cape {Town} Etc family salutes you.
We also send an abundance of comfort to those who continue to deal with the reality of the aftermath, perhaps most notably, the 4000 University of Cape Town students who had to be evacuated from their residences.
We urge the Mother City to continue supporting students and animal welfare organisations in particular.
Find out how you can help here.
The fire has been contained, not extinguished. Existing firefighting teams remain on high alert.
See before and after pictures here:
Picture: Unsplash