A reservist firefighter has died, bringing to total four firefighters who have died since the start of fire season. Heinrich Oostenhuizen (25), from the Cape Winelands District Municipality, was on his way to a fire on Monday at 11pm with three other firefighters when the tyre blew out and the vehicle capsized.

The mayor of the Cape Winelands Municipality, Henry Prins, said four members from their Fire Services division were involved in a motor vehicle accident on Le Bonheur road in Klapmuts. “The members involved were Rodney Andrews, lake Ndlovu, Gary Bailey and Heinrich Oostenhuizen. Sadly Heinrich passed away in the ICU of Paarl Mediclinic. He served our Fire Services at a reservist, a position Henrich filled in 2016 and executed with great pride. Our hearts and prayers go our to his family, friends and loved ones during this difficult time.”

In a post on Facebook, Working on Fire commended Oostenhuizen for his brave “Our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Cape Winelands DM firefighter Heinrich Oostenhuizen. ?May he rest in peaceWe salute you for your hard work an dedication in saving lives and protecting property”

The other three brave firefighters who have been killed are Gert Wilskut, Makelepe Cedri Seokama and Candice Kruger.

 

Today we take a knee for CWDM firefighter Heinrich Oostenhuizen. RIP brother. Our 4th fallen firefighter this season ? #FireIsEveryonesFight

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Picture: Justin Sullivan

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Nidha Narrandes is a food-obsessed travel addict with 21 years of journalism experience. Her motto - Travel. Eat. Repeat. She is happiest on a road to nowhere without a plan. A masterchef at home, she can't do without chilli - because chilli makes the world a tastier place.