The Montagu Volunteer Fire and Rescue (MVFR) team demonstrated their vital community role last week, successfully managing both a night-time hiker rescue and threatening wildfire within a span of just three days.
On Thursday 6 February, the MVFR team coordinated a rescue operation for two local hikers, who had deviated from their planned route in the Mountain Reserve. After one hiker suffered a knee injury, the rescue team, led by Johan Olivier, deployed on foot with essential supplies. Despite challenging conditions and diminishing daylight, the team located the stranded hikers and safely guided them back to Joubert Park by 23:10.
The team’s capabilities were tested again on Saturday 8 February, when a fire broke out in the Montagu Nature Garden. Strong winds rapidly pushed the flames toward the town’s Water Purification Plant, prompting an immediate response from MVFR volunteers. Working alongside Langeberg Fire Services and Cape Winelands Fire Services, including two NCC ground teams, the firefighters successfully contained the blaze by 02:00 on Sunday morning. The Nature Garden’s curator, Hugo de Wet, confirmed that quick response times prevented any structural damage.
The MVFR, established in February 2020 as a registered NPO, comprises 20 trained volunteer First Responders equipped for wildland firefighting and first aid.
The organisation relies on public and business donations to maintain operations and purchase necessary equipment.
“Our vision is to create a community-operated support service for the greater Montagu area while educating residents about fire prevention,” explained MVFR Chairperson Gavin Hatherley. The volunteer organisation stands ready to assist with various emergencies, from wildfires and floods to civil disturbances and other natural or man-made disasters.
For more information about MVFR or to support their efforts, interested parties can contact Chairperson Gavin Hatherley at 072 9277 545 or Team Manager Johan Olivier at 064 648 7795.
