Earlier today, on July 14, the Lowveld and Escarpment Fire Protection Association (Lefpa) was notified by Peet Groenewald, a farm owner, of a blaze in a nearby veld that had spread to his farm, Miltrek Sawmill, in Plaston near White River. Flames from the nearby fire spread to the farm due to heavy gusts of wind, causing a large number of logs to catch alight.

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The Lefpa team deployed a QRF Echo helicopter, designed for rapid deployment and response to various situations, often involving emergencies like fires or humanitarian crises. The chopper dropped 21 loads of fire retardant to help contain the blaze.

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Nearby farmers also rushed to the scene to help move wood away from the fires. Their efforts also helped prevent the burning of an Eskom line pole, which could’ve been disastrous.