The ongoing veld fires that have ravaged KwaZulu Natal have claimed the lives of six firefighters. Three of the firefighters died yesterday morning, while the other three died in the hospital in the evening. The tragic news was confirmed by the provincial Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta).

HEROES 

Cogta MEC, Thulasizwe Buthelezi, confirmed that the firefighters were stationed in Mpophomeni, outside Pietermaritzburg and died while battling the runaway veld fires along Boston/Impendle Rd. under the Umngeni Local Municipality. The firefighters were trying to put out the two-metre-high flames when they found themselves trapped when the wind suddenly changed direction, encircling the team in the blaze. Cogta MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi expressed deep sadness over the loss of the firefighters. "We are heartbroken by the loss of these courageous workers who were fighting to protect others from harm," said Buthelezi. "We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families affected by this tragic event and wish a speedy recovery to those injured," he added.

HELP FOR FARMERS 

Buthelezi further assured affected farmers in Zululand that the provincial government will do everything possible to ensure that all those people who have no means to help themselves during this difficult time are provided with the necessary assistance. In response to a call for help from communities in Ulundi and surrounding areas, the MEC held a community meeting where he distributed relief and firefighting equipment to people who had been affected by the wildfires. The MEC has called for the parts of the province affected by the fires to be declared disaster areas, emphasising the urgent need for additional support and resources to manage the crisis and aid recovery efforts. This tragedy brings the total number of lives lost due to runaway fires in the province to ten including a pregnant woman and a 16-month-old baby.