Joint Media Release: Premier Winde and Mayor Hill-Lewis thank brave firefighters for ongoing efforts to control fires

Today, the Premier of the Western Cape, Alan Winde, and the Mayor of Cape Town, Geordin Hill-Lewis, visited Sir Lowry’s Pass Fire Station, following the start of a fire at Lourensford Estate on Wednesday.

The Premier of the Western Cape, Alan Winde, said: “The Mayor and I had the opportunity today to thank our firefighters at Sir Lowry’s Pass Fire Station, and also acknowledge the many others who have been putting out fires in the last few days across the length and breadth of the city and province, including in the Cape Winelands and the Rietvlei Wetland Reserve.”

The Mayor of Cape Town, Geordin Hill-Lewis, further recognised those who had played their part and said: “I am so proud of our City of Cape Town firefighters and biodiversity staff for their work over the last few days in dealing with multiple fires all over the city.”

Mayor Hill-Lewis added: “Some of these staff members are volunteers but every single one of them displays absolute dedication to their work. They place their lives at risk in order to save others and keep fire damage to property at a minimum. They do this time and time again whenever our city needs them to. I would like to say thank you to all of them, they have made our city proud.”

A briefing was provided by the City’s Head of Operations: Fire and Rescue Services, Arlene Wehr, and the Chief Director of Disaster Management, Colin Diener. It was reported that the fire starting at Lourensford Estate has largely been contained.

Premier Winde reflected: “These fires have resulted in people being evacuated and losing their homes. I also want to say thank you to the residents who, every single time, come out and provide support by donating water, food and providing accommodation during these difficult times.”

Source: Government of South Africa