Update
MOSSEL BAY NEWS - The Mossel Bay Aero Club has been doing its part for the community following the catastrophic wildfires that have destroyed large parts of Aalwyndal, Island View and Vakansieplaas this week.
From the outset, they have made the airport and infrastructure available to the Mosselbay Fire Department and firefighters.
Airport manager, Jan Marais, works day and night to fill the water tanks for the aircraft and to assist them and tired pilots and firefighters have been receiving food, drinks and also assistance from doctors and pharmacists.
A bit of a well deserved break in between fighting the Mossel Bay fires.
The club thanked the firefighters and other emergency services for their ongoing efforts in tackling the blaze by handing out boerewors rolls and cooldrinks “as a token of our gratitude for their devotion to duty,” said Hartog Blok, the club’s secretary.
Local businesses, such as the AV-8 restaurant in Mossel Bay, and a number of farmers joined in, arriving in Mossel Bay from Oudtshoorn with bakkies loaded with water tanks and other firefighting equipment to aid the residents and the club’s efforts.
“To those fine people and volunteers, a truly sincere thank you,” said Blok.
The Mossel Bay Aero Club urged Mossel Bay residents at the beginning of the fire season in December to be understanding of the aerial firefighting operations that would be taking place in the coming months.
“These aircraft play a vital role in assisting Working on Fire and other firefighting teams as they protect lives, property and the environment across our region,” they said.
‘We bring you the latest Garden Route, Hessequa, Karoo news’
