Drakenstein’s heroes need their community’s help after a massive tree collapsed onto two frontline vehicles this week.
Western Cape, South Africa (27 March, 2026) – On the morning of 25 March 2026, a massive tree collapsed without warning onto two of DFW Fire & Rescue’s frontline vehicles at their Paarl base. This has left one of the Drakenstein Valley’s most relied-upon emergency services facing a crushing blow.
“In a moment that left us stunned and speechless, a massive tree on the main parking area, suddenly collapsed in completely windless conditions and came crashing down directly onto two of our emergency rescue vehicles that were parked, prepared, and ready for immediate deployment.” DFW shared.
The Iveco CAFS rescue vehicle bore the initial impact and is a write-off. The large Mercedes 4×4 fire truck was severely damaged when the tree shifted onto its tank and ruptured it. Both machines were operational frontline vehicles actively deployed throughout the fire season.
“The CAFS unit played a extreme important life saving role in the recent devastating fires involving historic buildings like Laborie, Boscendal, LA Paris, Roggeland and LA Pareille.”
These are the same crews who held the line at Boschendal in January when flames surrounded their trucks with zero visibility, and who saved a kennel full of security dogs from fast-approaching flames in 45-degree heat just two weeks ago. They run on donations, render much of their work pro bono, and carry enormous operational costs to keep the Drakenstein Valley protected.
“For a non-profit emergency response organisation such as ours, which already carries enormous operational costs and regularly renders pro bono fire, rescue, and medical assistance in the Drakenstein Valley, this is a crushing financial blow.”
The good news is that enough vehicles remain to maintain emergency cover for now, and DFW hasn’t been left to face this alone. Fellow rescue organisations have already rallied, offering immediate assistance.
“We also want to sincerely thank our colleagues from other rescue entities who have immediately offered to come on board and assist. In times like these, true partnership and brotherhood in emergency services become visible” DFW shares.
Getting the vehicles repaired and replaced is a longer road, and one they can’t walk without broader support. DFW has put out a direct call to the community and wider public, asking for help to recover.
“We therefore humbly ask the business community, friends of emergency services, farmers, estates, residents, and the wider public to please consider coming on board with a donation to help DFW recover from this disaster and continue its life-saving work,” they share. “Every donation, big or small, will help us to rebuild, restore capacity, and continue standing ready when disaster strikes others.”
If you’d like to show your support, find out more here.
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