A multi-disciplinary team came together in an effort to fight the fires which raved the Province.
A multi-disciplinary team comprising the SAPS, South African Air Force (SAAF), the Local Disaster Management, Agri- Northern Cape, the farmers union and various other agencies and civilian crews distributed about 500 000 litres of water while dousing fires in the greater Kimberley area between October 13-21.
Police spokesperson Colonel Mashay Gamieldien said the fires had ravaged thousands of hectares of land, farms and structures, killed livestock and animals and caused extensive damage to property.
“During the duration of the operation more than 250 ’bambi buckets’ (approximately 500 000 litres of water) were dropped onto various fires in order to alleviate the flames.
“A reconnaissance flight was taken on October 21 to evaluate and monitoring the damage and destruction caused to farms, property and livestock in the affected areas.”
She said the emergency command structure was activated under the command of Captain John Seeley and warrant officer Ronsard Allen from police emergency services as well as officers from the joint tactical air controller (JTAC)
“The South African Air Force assisted with military helicopters that were deployed to aid in dousing the devastating fires.
“Various external roleplayers provided ground support in addition to the air support provided by the SAAF helicopters.
“An air to ground support operation involving the SAAF Augusta A109 helicopter as well as a SAAF Oryx helicopter provided air support.”
Gamieldien added that fires were identified on ground level by means of aerial firefighting that was relayed to farmers and the community on the ground directing them in the direction of the fires enabling them to extinguish the flames.
The acting provincial commissioner of the SAPS, Major General Joey Kers conveyed his gratitude and appreciation to all the roleplayers who participated in this joint operation.
