Last Friday, 4^th September the VWS was invited by the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing (DAFF) to perform a demonstration for the VIPs and Dignitaries attending the Arbor Week Event held at MTO Forestry in Jonkershoek, Stellenbosch. A unique opportunity for the VWS to display it’s skills and efficiency, as well as draw attention to the VWS as a volunteer fire fighting group.

The morning started off with the first of the VWS Team meeting up outside the Jonkershoek Reserve.  Two VWS Land Rovers and the VWS Reeds Izuzu Bakkie moved out to the Camcore / MTO Forestry Conservation Park.  VWS Chairman sTiv Samuel and the team quickly set out to reconnoitre the best possible site from which to stage the mock fire and dazzle the VIPs! This included setting up the smoke machines.

In no time at all, the scene had been set on a perfectly placed outcrop of rocks and burnt vegetation.   The two Landies were despatched up the nearby hill, pumps primed, hoses charged, the Team briefed and tucked away… everyone was ready for the call to “Action..!”

After a brief wait, the convoy of vehicles carrying the VIPs was spotted and the team went into standby mode.  The gathered VIPs were given an introduction to the VWS by sTiv, but as planned this was soon interrupted by VWS Crew Leader Michelle du Toit with shouts of “Fire!”  While the smoke machine kicked into action, the Landies came flying down the hill – sirens blaring and lights flashing! Then, a blaze of yellow as the VWS team came charging over the rocks, through the smoke and swept into action – spraying copious amounts water and attacking the “fire” with beaters and handtools!  The VWS soon had the “situation” under control, much to the relief and applause of the audience.

Oliver Stone best take a lesson from the VWS … this was a scene straight out of a blockbuster movie!

Written by VWS Jonkershoek Satellite Coordinator Hayley Marrison.
Adapted by Adrian Marnewick.