Photographer Christoff Theunissen captured a heartwrenching image of Frank Douglass, a reservist firefighter who lost his family home in Pringle Bay while fighting the blaze in Betty’s Bay. The community is rallying to help them recover some of what has been lost.
Overstrand, South Africa (02 February 2024) – The Overstrand has been severely hit by wildfires but the community has united to do everything they can to fight the fires, support the men and women on the fireline and give back to the community affected. Areas like Pringle Bay and Betty’s Bay are being affected; thankfully, there are firefighting teams on the ground working to stop it. Even the reservists have been called in.
One of the firefighting reservists is going viral. Frank Douglass was fighting a fire on the frontline and at the same time, a fire destroyed his home in Pringle Bay. Talented photographer Christoff Theunissen captured photos of an exhausted Frank, who was looking at his phone, absorbing the shocking news of the loss of his home.
The photos are deeply moving!

Various community members have rallied to support Frank and his wife Maralize, who have lost everything to the fire. Marie le Roux decided to get the news out there in the hope that the community would aid in getting the Douglass’s back on their feet as soon as possible. She got their banking details for monetary donations, so the family could get simple things like toiletries, fresh clothing and some food. The team at Coffee on Clarence in Betty’s Bay have opened their doors as a drop-off spot for donations for the family too.
This loss has really rocked the family, but speaking to Maralize, she shared with Good Things Guy that the absolute generosity of her community and those based nationally has left them feeling deeply grateful. She says she is speechless; she cannot find the words but is so thankful for every person who has contributed towards getting them settled after the fire.
There is a very long road ahead of the Douglass’s. Frank is still processing the loss of his home but continues to work with his fellow reservists to fight back the flames.
If you would like to support the family through this deeply tragic time, you can donate using the details shared by photographer Christoff Theunissen on Facebook here (we have confirmed these are, in fact, Maralize’s banking details) or visit Coffee on Clarence in Betty’s Bay to drop off physical donations.