Wednesday 4 March 2015

How can you help the fire fighters in Cape Town

Unless you've been stuck under a rock for three days, you should know that there is a massive veld fire raging in Cape Town. From Muizenberg over to Hout Bay and Noordhoek, the flames are blazing and people are being evacuated by the hundreds. Dedicated firefighters have been battling night and day to keep it under control since it began on Sunday morning, here’s how you can help:


Donate Non-Perishable Food Items and Medical Supplies
A plea for supplies began circulating on social media not long after the fires started, many people have been donating food, sunblock, eye-drops and other helpful aid to the fire fighters. Halaal food however is in low supply. Please make sure you mark ingredients! Making a firefighter sick with peanuts or shellfish is the worst thing you could possibly do. Drop off all your donations at the Fish Hoek or Lakeside fire stations, or you can use Uber as they are running #UberASSIST, where they will collect and deliver your donations for free.

You can check on their Facebook page “Help support Fire Fighters and victims” to see their specific donation requests. So far they've been asking for food and refreshments, crunchy things like apples and carrots are appreciated as well as warm food. They also need lozenges, lip ice, cooling gel and polystyrene cups.

Donate to the Volunteer Wildfire Services
Updates from the Volunteer Wildfire Services show that they have more than enough food. However they’re requesting donations with operational costs like petrol for the helicopters. You can donate a once-off amount, or become a monthly sponsor on the Volunteer Wildfire Services website.

Keep an Eye Out for Wildlife
As the fire destroys the animals natural habitats, it’s very likely that the wildlife may move into the urban areas. Keep an eye out for tortoises, porcupines, genets and other animals. If you find an injured animal, you can either take it to the SPCA short term care facility at the Grassy Park premises or call 021 700 4159/8. If you are living close to the areas the fire has affected, fill up bird baths or large containers with water for any dehydrated animals that may wander into your garden.

Stay Away
Apparently emergency vehicles are being blocked by traffic created by onlookers, get a life and go home! This is not the best time to be practicing your photography, lives and property are in danger, so let the fire fighters do their job –  STAY AWAY.


Updates are being posted regularly under #MuizenbergFire and #CapeTownFire. You can also keep up to date on the News24 live news feed or via @CityofCTAlerts and @vwsfires.


Written By: Christine Romans

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