Heroic rescue of injured firefighter stranded in Stettynskloof mountains
Injured CapeNature firefighter rescued after spending the night stranded in rugged Stettynskloof terrain, following a complex multi-agency mountain operation.
Image: WSAR/ Facebook
A CapeNature firefighter injured while battling a wildfire in a remote mountain area between Franschhoek and Du Toitskloof has been safely rescued following a complex, multi-agency operation.
The 42-year-old firefighter suffered a leg injury late on Friday while working on the fire front in the rugged Stettynskloof area, forcing her to spend the night on the mountain.
Her colleagues remained with her throughout the night, keeping her safe and stable until rescue teams could be deployed at first light.
Wilderness Search And Rescue (WSAR) teams were alerted late on Friday and immediately began planning for a high-risk rescue in difficult terrain.
“At first light on Saturday, a carefully coordinated multi-agency rescue operation was launched,” said WSAR spokesperson David Nel.
“A small specialist rescue team was deployed by the Western Cape Government Health and Wellness EMS / Air Mercy Service rescue helicopter, working closely with the Department of Water Affairs, CapeNature and the Cape Winelands District Municipality Fire Services.”
Nel said detailed overnight planning by WSAR specialists, including the establishment of a robust communication framework, was critical to ensuring the rescue could proceed safely despite the remote location.
Rescuers carefully navigated steep, rugged terrain to reach the injured firefighter, where a paramedic provided essential on-site medical care. She was then airlifted to a nearby landing zone and transferred to ambulance services for transport to hospital.
The rescue operation was successfully concluded shortly before 11am on Saturday.
Firefighting teams across the Western Cape have faced an exceptionally demanding fire season, often operating in hazardous conditions.
“We recognise and deeply appreciate the commitment, bravery and professionalism of firefighters who put themselves in harm’s way to protect communities and the natural environment,” Nel said.
“We’re grateful to have been able to support their efforts and thank all the responding agencies for their cooperation. We wish our brave patient a full and speedy recovery.”
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Cape Argus