When a 42-year-old firefighter found herself injured on the job, in a remote mountain area on Friday night, her team remained by her side, keeping her safe and sheltered through the night until help could arrive.
Cape Town, South Africa (19 January 2026) – Late on Friday night, while working tirelessly on a fire front in the Stettynskloof area, a 42-year-old CapeNature firefighter suffered a leg injury that left her stranded on the rugged terrain.
Refusing to leave her behind, her team remained steadfastly by her side, keeping her safe and sheltered through the night until help could arrive. At first light, Wilderness Search And Rescue (WSAR) launched a coordinated multi-agency operation to bring the fallen firefighter home.
A small rescue team on board the Western Cape Government Health and Wellness EMS / Air Mercy Service (AMS) rescue helicopter, in coordination with the Department of Water Affairs, CapeNature and Cape Winelands District Municipality Fire Services, was deployed to reach the injured firefighter.
“Meticulous planning on Friday evening by specialist WSAR teams, who established the communication framework used throughout the rescue, allowed the operation to proceed safely despite the remote and challenging location.
“Carefully negotiating the steep, rugged terrain, rescuers reached the firefighter, where a paramedic provided essential on-scene treatment. She was then airlifted to a nearby landing zone and handed over to ambulance services for transport to hospital,” WSAR reported, successfully concluding the operation shortly before 11 am on Saturday.
Often operating in dangerous and unforgiving conditions, our local firefighting teams have faced an exceptionally busy and demanding season, earning the praise of the greater public.
“We join the communities of the Western Cape in recognising and appreciating the commitment, bravery and professionalism of all firefighters, and the vital role they play in protecting both people and the natural environment,” WSAR commends.
The organisation adds that it is grateful to be able to contribute, in a small way, to supporting these heroes’ efforts, and thanks all responding teams and agencies for their continued dedication and cooperation.
“We wish our brave patient a full and speedy recovery.”
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