Following an intense vegetation fire above Kalk Bay Harbour on Monday 12 February, a local school expressed gratitude to everyone who played a role in mitigating the damage to the facility.
The inferno broke out on Monday afternoon, forcing Bay Primary School to evacuate, causing damage to one property and injuring two people in separate incidents.
According to JP Smith, Mayco member for safety and security, the fire rapidly spread to houses above the mountain slope. “We received a call of vegetation alight on the mountain side, directly above the Kalk Bay Harbour, and we immediately despatched fire crews. But when we realised the intensity and the fire’s rapid expansion to houses close by we sent another 10 fire engines.”
A joint firefighting effort involving Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) and City of Cape Town crews set out to protect properties on the urban fringe.
“Sadly, before our arrival one property had suffered severe damage, and two occupants suffered injuries and were taken to hospital.
“While helicopters took to water-bombing the burning terrain City of Cape Town firefighters kept the fire away from property in Kalk Bay.”
Spokesperson for the City’s fire and rescue services Jermaine Carelse said additional manpower was called on to assist.
“Additional resources were called in; 10 firefighting appliances and more than 40 firefighters were at the scene.
“One dwelling was affected by the fire, but no occupants were present and no people had to be evacuated from their homes.”
In a social media statement, Bay Primary School staff thanked residents for their role in evacuating learners. “A huge thank you to so many wonderful people after today’s fire in Kalk Bay, when we were forced to evacuate our beautiful school. The ever-amazing fire crews of the City of Cape Town kept our school and neighbours safe and unharmed.”
According to the statement, teachers and staff kept calm while walking learners to safety. “Thank you to our children for not panicking despite some being scared and others singing to ease the tension . . . and lastly, but not least, Beira Mar in Kalk Bay for opening your doors to us when the smoke got too thick in the car park. Your generosity and cold refreshments were so very much appreciated.”
