In the early hours of Tuesday, 15 October, the Drakenstein Farm Watch braved stormy winds to respond to a runaway rural farm fire that threatened multiple farmhouses in Paarl, Cape {town} Etc reports.
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At 2:07am, the Drakenstein Farm Watch emergency network was alerted to a fire on a farm along Sonstraal Road.
Despite the farm owner’s decision to tackle the fire alone, DFW reported the situation to the Drakenstein Municipal Fire Brigade due to high winds and safety concerns.
By 3:15am, neighbouring farms, under threat from sparks and encroaching flames, called the private DFW Fire and Rescue for help and protection.
The DFW deployed three heavy-duty 4×4 tanker trucks, carrying 18 000 litres of water, to navigate the narrow roads and protect the residences.
The operation was successful, with no property damage reported.
By 5am, the DFW volunteer crew returned to base for a brief rest before resuming their day jobs.
The well-equipped, non-profit DFW has earned the trust of many farms, which have signed on for their protection.
As the season begins, they welcome more support.
In a similar situation on 7 April, under extreme weather in rural Paarl, DFW crews singlehandedly protected the historic estate Mountain Shadows.
Using their powerful trucks and special pumps, they saved the property from a firestorm that devastated many other areas.
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Picture: Drakenstein Farm Watch / Facebook
