While many celebrated the New Year with loved ones, brave firefighters from Volunteer Wildfire Services (VWS) spent their first day of 2025 battling a raging wildfire in Villiersdorp and Theewaterskloof.
Villiersdorp, South Africa (02 January 2025) – While many of us welcomed 2025 in the good company of friends and family, festive drinks and roars of excitement, the firefighters of Volunteer Wildfire Services (VWS) spent the very first day of the new year on a gruelling 12-hour shift putting out wildfires in the regions of Villiersdorp and Theewaterskloof.
Bravely going into the face of ravaging flames that threatened to destroy nature in all its glory and its surrounding communities, these incredible men and women endured the heat, danger and remarkably put their lives on the line in the call of duty.
According to VWS, two dedicated crews from all four of its bases—Stellenbosch, Helderberg, South Peninsula, and Newlands—were dispatched to assist CapeNature with the ongoing wildfire in Villiersdorp.
Additional crews were also on standby to continue operations through the night and the following morning, ensuring that we were ready to respond wherever and whenever needed.
Voluntarily risking their lives to fight fires is an extraordinary act of courage and no small feat. The spirit of teamwork among these dedicated crew members speaks for itself and we’re easily inspired by their grit and compassion to put their communities before themselves.
“Every fireline tackled, every drop of water delivered, and every decision made is part of a collective effort to protect lives, property, and our natural environment.
“To all those on the frontline and behind the scenes, thank you for your service and sacrifice,” VWS thanked its heroes in a post.
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