IMATU CONGRATULATES OUR FIRE-FIGHTERS
The Independent Municipal and Allied Trade Union (IMATU) would like to congratulate all disaster management teams, fire-fighters and municipal officials who have been working tirelessly to bring the Western Cape wine lands fire under control.
“Our members in the fire fighting division have been battling large fires in Franschhoek, Paarl, Eden and Cederberg areas, where fires have raged since 16 January 2013. Yesterday, fire-fighters were concentrating their efforts on containing fires burning from Franschhoek towards Paarl and Du Toitskloof. While we have been told that there is no immediate need to evacuate people, additional fire-fighters have been called in from the Eastern Cape and Gauteng to assist in bringing the fire under control,” said IMATU Regional Manager, Etienne Bruwer.
While the fire in the Cederberg Mountains has been contained, fire-fighters are still battling the blaze in the Franschhoek area. It is estimated that more than 72 000 hectares of vegetation, fynbos and farmland has been burnt thus far.
“IMATU is very proud of the fire-fighters, many of whom are our members, working around the clock to contain this fire and protect people in the surrounding areas. We would like to commend them for putting themselves on the line and tacking this enormous task head on,” stated Bruwer.
IMATU would like to extend a word of thanks to all the disaster management teams, fire-fighters and municipal officials involved in bringing the Western Cape wine lands fire under control.
“We are extremely proud of our members’ passion and commitment in fulfilling their duties fearlessly,” concluded Bruwer.