Executive Mayor Dan Plato was on the frontline late last night, offering support and thanks to all the brave firefighters who are fighting the cape blaze!
Western Cape, South Africa (19 April 2021) – The Executive Mayor visited the frontline late last night to offer thanks and support while brave firefighters continued to push back against the cape blaze.
Executive Mayor Dan Plato noted that at least one firefighter was being treated for burn wounds in the hospital as efforts to contain the fire continue. Property, including private homes, the Rhodes Memorial restaurant and historical structures such as the Mostert’s Hill windmill, have been damaged by the blaze. Read more below:
Students from the Upper Campus of the University of Cape Town also had to be evacuated as strong winds caused the fire to spread.
Mayor Plato visited the site to thank those involved in firefighting efforts. Mayor Dan Plato thanks residents for their donations and calls on the public to please monitor emergency services communications for any updates.
“I wish to express our gratitude for the efforts of firefighters who have been working non-stop to bring this massive fire under control. It is saddening to note that property and historic buildings have been damaged by this fire. It is tragic that literary treasures have been lost at the UCT library, but I have been informed that some of the most valuable works were saved by the quick activation of roller doors. Our attention and support remain with firefighters and all roleplayers working to protect further loss of property,” said Executive Mayor Dan Plato.
Residents in the vicinity of the fire are advised to take some precautionary steps, including:
- Remain Hydrated.
- Keep windows and doors closed until further notice as protection against smoke and heat.
- Keep pets indoors where possible.
- Move garden furniture that is flammable under cover where possible.
- If the situation gets worse, residents will be alerted timeously.
Many South Africans have taken to social media to share messages of support and suggestions on how to assist the frontline firefighters and anyone impacted by the blaze. We have condensed the list and made it easier for you to extend a helping hand from anywhere in the country.
Here is a list of things you can do today and long after this tragedy has passed to help your fellow South Africans:
- Stay away from the scene. Get off the roads and give frontline workers the space to do their jobs!
- Donate food, energy bars, cool drinks, water and eye drops to your local fire station – this is one of the easiest ways to assist our frontline firefighters!
- Donate warm clothing and blankets to your local shelter for the homeless.
- Donate warm blankets, food, old dog or cat beds and kennels to animal rescue centres and shelters.
- Cook a warm pot of soup and hand it out to people less fortunate.
- Provide shelter and food to displaced families or students.
- Pay for a bed at a homeless shelter so someone can stay warm for the night.
- If you spot a person without shelter, call 107 or 0800 87 22 01, as per Love Cape Town.
- Donate old furniture and building materials so that those that have lost their homes can rebuild after the devastation.
- Help neighbours secure items from the fires.
- Take lost animals to local vets or shelters, or keep them safe in your own home.
- Donate directly to an impacted person on Backabuddy, Quicket Charity or For Good – these campaigns are usually created within hours of a tragedy and can be found by using the search function on the platforms.
This is a list of non-profits working with the Disaster Management teams to offer help wherever possible!
Here is a list of community-based non-government, non-profit’s and other organisations working within communities.
- Check with your local Round Table or Rotary clubs in your area (just google Rotary Club and then your area to find the nearest branch) – most collect food and blankets in times of need.
In the event of an emergency, please contact:
- City of Cape Town Emergency Services Landline: 021 480 7700 Cell phone: 107
- Provincial Emergency Number – 112
If you have any more information, please list it in the comments section, and we will update the list accordingly. We will try to stay on top of it all!
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