Iain Gordon, a well-known and beloved volunteer firefighter from Pretoria, tragically lost his life while battling a runaway fire near Leeukloof.

According to reports Iain, from the farm and smallholding area near Leeukloof, northeast of Pretoria, went out on Monday morning like many others as a volunteer firefighter with the Cullinan Firefighting Association to combat yet another runaway fire.

According to André van Heerden, chairman of the firefighting association, the area near Cullinan had been battling fires for three weeks, with residents and firefighters working tirelessly day and night to protect homes and people.

Those unable to assist directly with firefighting contributed by bringing water and food through the clouds of smoke.

Van Heerden explained to the media that the team initially had the fire under control, with Iain working alongside a teammate.

However, the flames flared up again, just 30 meters away from them, driven by strong winds.

It’s suspected that Iain and his team tried to escape when they realised they might be trapped, but his fire control blower’s petrol tank caught fire.

Iain likely fell while trying to flee or during the explosion. He sustained 60% burns over his body, third-degree burns; only his chest was not burned.

Advanced Paramedic Assist (APA) emergency services were quickly on the scene. Without medical insurance, Iain was rushed to the nearest state hospital in critical condition. In the Steve Biko Academic Hospital Gordon was placed in an induced coma and on a ventilator.

The Steve Biko Academic Hospital does not have a specialised burn unit, but the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Johannesburg is far away.

According to reports, Baragwanath Hospital indicated they were making space for Iain, whose condition would not stabilise.

He was transferred there by ambulance late Thursday afternoon. By Sunday morning, the news of his death was shared.

Van Heerden says he will always remember Iain for his willingness to help.

“He was a jovial person who was always friendly. I met him about four years ago when he moved here from the Western Cape. Iain immediately began volunteering.”

Iain will be remembered as a man who was always willing to help and was often seen driving with his dogs by his side.

A friend wrote the following about Iain on social media:

“Iain was… simply Iain. Likable, interesting, and good. He had a way of making you feel excited just by his presence. I could always hear him coming before I saw him—the familiar rattle of his black bakkie, the tools clanging in the back, and his dogs just as full of life and energy as he was.

“He’d pull up with that easy smile, and everything just felt better. His stories, calmness, and way of handling things brought this unspoken goodness wherever he went.

“A very special person left us today for his last and possibly greatest journey. We will miss you greatly Iain, many good times spent enjoying a beer and whisky tastings in shot glasses LOL! You could chat about everything under the sun and your general knowledge often astounded us, I will forever remember where the name Spanspek or spaanse spek comes from thanks to you.

“You loved the ocean almost as much as the bushveld, and your knowledge and anecdotes on this will stay with me forever. You were always in good company, and we salute you as a friend and, in the end, OUR HERO!  Hoist your sails, dearest Iain, load your dogs, and have a wonderful journey. You loved the community, and we loved you.”

Also read: One dead, woman suffers miscarriage, as fire tears through Cemetery View

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