Tragic loss of life of firefighters in runaway fires

In a tragic turn of events, six brave employees of Farmusa Contracting (Farmusa), a contractor to Sappi Forests for firefighting and silviculture services, lost their lives earlier today. They were providing assistance to fight fires on the Sterling Farm, about 30kms away from Bulwer in southern KwaZulu-Natal. The farm is adjacent to the Sappi Pinewoods plantation and fires had been raging on the farm since around 3am. Sappi was contacted shortly after 10am by the farm owner, seeking assistance with fighting the fires. A firefighting crew consisting of 16 people (15 Farmusa staff and a Sappi forester) was dispatched to the scene with three fire trucks.

The adverse weather conditions contributed to uncontrollable fires which ultimately trapped eight members of the team. In the tragic events that ensued, three firefighters were unable to escape and suffered fatal wounds at the scene. While five escaped, three with severe burns were airlifted to hospital but subsequently succumbed to their wounds. The other two remain in hospital.

Adverse weather conditions in KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga have led to wildfires raging for the last 10 days in the areas around Sappi's plantations. All forestry personnel and our forestry contractors have been stretched to the limit, having to contain hundreds of fires. The causes and impacts of all these fires have not yet been assessed. "No matter how prepared we are for the fire season, including extensive training that is undertaken, our worst fear remains any loss of life. Sappi is shocked and deeply affected by this tragic incident, and we express our sincere condolences to Farmusa and the families of the deceased", commented Duane Roothman, Vice President Sappi Forests.

Sappi will continue to work tirelessly with all the fire protection associations to prevent and combat fires in all its areas of operations. It will continue to assist, support and lead firefighting activities to protect its own assets, but equally importantly that of its neighbouring communities and landowners.

"We pay tribute to the people who died in these fires today for their heroic efforts that cost them their lives whilst delivering selfless service to their communities," said Roothman. "The devasting effects of wildfires cannot ever be underestimated, and this tragic event underlines the absolute importance for all community members to be vigilant and to take ultimate care at all times in being aware and prepared during fire season," he said.

Farmusa management ensured that the families of the deceased were notified and will receive all support that might be required. Sappi will assist where necessary and ensure that Farmusa and Sappi staff involved in this operation receive trauma counselling.