When a wildfire turns into a rescue mission
Fires moved across large sections of land during one of the province’s most severe fire seasons, placing pressure on firefighting teams working to contain the spread and limit further damage.
In Episode 4 of SA Rescue: Out Alive, a podcast produced by Jacaranda FM’s sister station East Coast Radio, the focus turns to one of the responses during that period.
Crews were deployed to a fire near Babanango, where ground teams and aircraft worked together to manage conditions on the ground and track the fire from above.
Before they could fully concentrate on the wildfire, they were required to respond to another urgent situation.
The episode tracks how teams adapted in real time, coordinating across multiple units while conditions continued to shift. Listen at the top of the page, or directly below:
Coordinating response across the province
Organisations such as the KZN Fire Protection Association support wildfire prevention and response across KwaZulu-Natal.
The association was established more than 60 years ago and now operates as an umbrella body with affiliated fire protection groups across the province.
Its work includes fire danger assessments, weather monitoring, fire detection and coordinating response efforts.
In tribute to wildfire responders
This episode reflects the work of firefighters, pilots and ground crews who respond when fires threaten lives and land.
Many operate within coordinated structures such as the KZN Fire Protection Association, working together to manage risk and respond under pressure.
If you missed it, the previous episode covers the rescue of a disoriented man who'd been stuck in the girders beneath a Durban bridge for at least two days.
A passing fisherman in the river below spotted him and called for help. Rescue teams descended on the bridge and devised a plan to get him down safely. Little did they know they would be met with some resistance.
Listen to Episode 2 below.
SA Rescue: Out Alive is produced by East Coast Radio’s Newswatch team and shares real stories from first responders across South Africa.
To listen to earlier episodes, please check out the full channel below: