SOUTH AFRICA (From news reports) -- Sappi has paid tribute to the six heroic employees of Famusa Contracting who lost their lives on Sunday fighting fires which destroyed hundreds of hectares of farmland in the KZN Midlands.
Famusa Contracting is a contractor to Sappi Forests and provides the company with firefighting and silviculture services.
They had been helping to fight fires on Stirling Farm, which is on the R617 Boston Road, not far from Mpophomeni township.
The farm is adjacent to the Sappi Pinewoods plantation and fires had been raging on the farm since the early hours of Sunday morning.
Sappi was contacted shortly after 10 am by the farm owner, seeking assistance with fighting the fires. A firefighting crew consisting of 16 people, 15 Farmusa staff and a Sappi forester, was dispatched to the scene with three fire trucks.
The adverse weather conditions contributed to uncontrollable fires which ultimately trapped eight members of the team.
In the tragic events that ensued, three firefighters were unable to escape and suffered fatal wounds at the scene.
While five escaped, three with severe burns were airlifted to hospital but subsequently succumbed to their injuries. One firefighter remains in hospital in a critical condition, while the other was released.
"No matter how prepared we are for the fire season, including extensive training that is undertaken, our worst fear remains any loss of life," said Duane Roothman, Vice President Sappi Forests.
"Sappi is shocked and deeply affected by this tragic incident, and we express our sincere condolences to Farmusa and the families of the deceased.
"We pay tribute to the people who died in these fires today for the heroic efforts that cost them their lives whilst delivering selfless service to their communities.
"The devasting effects of wildfires cannot ever be underestimated, and this tragic event underlines the absolute importance for all community members to be vigilant and to take ultimate care at all times in being aware and prepared during fire season," said Roothman.
Farmusa management has ensured that the families of the deceased were notified and will receive all support that might be required.
Sappi has also said it will assist where necessary and ensure that Farmusa and Sappi staff involved in this operation receive trauma counselling.
The names of those who died have not yet been released.
