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Gerald Wright, Honorary Chairman, Helderberg Fire Protection Association, Somerset West writes:
I would like to thank the many, many people, both private citizens and those employed by the local authority, for the assistance given, and their hard work in controlling the recent inferno on the slopes of the Helderberg.

The firefighting officials of the City of Cape Town worked under the most dangerous and arduous conditions in heavily wooded, neglected plantations, where a great deal of combustible material was present.

The slopes on which the firefighters were working were also steep and, in some areas inaccessible to say the least.

It was also encouraging to see the Chief Fire Officer fighting the fire side by side with his staff. The pilots and crews of the helicopters and spotter aircraft must not be forgotten, as their support was essential in assist-ing crews on the ground to quell the blaze.

So too, our thanks to our local City nature conservation unit who turned out so willingly to assist in the operation, working with their colleagues from the fire department.

To the many public spirited residents of the Helderberg who responded so willingly to calls from Radio Helderberg to supply food, mineral water and so much more for the firemen.

So many refused to give their names so we cannot thank them personally, and through this letter, I would like to give them, the public, our heartfelt thanks.

Our local broadcaster, Radio Helderberg, for so willingly requesting assistance from listeners. Delta Rescue, a volunteer group, who so willingly gave of their time and the use of their 4x4 vehicles in transporting firefighters to almost inaccessible areas.

And last but not least, the Fire Protection Officer of the Helderberg Fire Protection Association for all assistance given at the control centre.

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