The Vredefort Dome area, located near Potchefstroom in the North West, was struck by a devastating grassland fire on Saturday, 29 July. The fire spread rapidly, engulfing vast expanses of grassland and impacting numerous privately owned farms. As a result, countless animals, including cattle, sheep, and goats, lost their lives, and a significant loss of property was recorded, including vintage vehicles, hale bails, and farm tractors, said Working on Fire’s North West Communications Officer, Maria Letsholo.

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment’s Working on Fire Programme (WOF) offered assistance, collaborating closely with the North West Umbrella Fire Protection Association and the Potchefstroom Fire Protection Association, and played a vital role in combating the raging inferno.

WOF teams – Castello and Boskop – responded to the Vredefort Dome fire at 11h25 pm as the magnitude of the blaze necessitated immediate and coordinated action from various stakeholders, including the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE), Fire Protection Associations, North West Umbrella Fire Protection Association, Military Fire Brigade, JB Marks Fire and Rescue firefighters, farmers, local and district municipalities.

Recognising the urgency, WOF swiftly deployed aerial support to provide assistance to the ground crews. The aerial fleet consisted of a Spotter, two Choppers, and an Aviation Support Vehicle. These resources proved invaluable in coordinating and directing firefighting efforts from above, helping ground teams gain the upper hand in controlling the blaze.

Despite facing an extremely high Fire Danger Index (FDI) on the day, the combined efforts of firefighters and the effective use of aerial support resulted in the official containment of the fire around 12h25 pm on Saturday, 29 July 2023.

However, the devastating impact of the fire could not be ignored. The loss of lives and properties, particularly the passing of  Mr Hennie Willemse, who suffered a heart attack,  served as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by wildfires.

Despite the losses, the collaborative spirit and dedication of Working on Fire and all the stakeholders involved garnered widespread appreciation. The Fire Protection Association in the North West commended the sterling work and prompt response of WOF teams during this disaster.