In what can only be described as a heroic act, a firefighter from the Sol Plaatje Municipality Fire Department, Ryno Griesel, drew on his decades of training and experience to save a Kimberley resident from a house engulfed in flames.
IN WHAT can only be described as a heroic act, a firefighter from the Sol Plaatje Municipality Fire Department, Ryno Griesel, drew on his decades of training and experience to save a Kimberley resident from a house engulfed in flames.
Griesel and his team responded to an emergency call about a fire at a house on Kekewich Drive, Monument Heights, on August 27.
“The Kimberley emergency services received an urgent call at about 23.37pm about a fire that had engulfed a house on Kekewich Drive. Within six minutes after the call, our team arrived at the scene. We found the front part of the house fully ablaze,” Griesel recounted.
As the crew worked to extinguish the blaze, Griesel said he noticed someone trapped inside.
“As the firefighting crew battled the flames, I noticed there was someone inside the burning structure. Without a second thought, I sprang into action, ignoring the thick smoke and intense heat. I relied entirely on the training and experience I have accumulated over the years.
“The support from my team ensured that I was able to successfully locate the woman and carry her out to safety. We always rely on each other during such situations, and knowing my crew had my back gave me the confidence to act,” he said modestly.
Thanks to the efforts and bravery of Griesel and his team, the resident was rescued with only minor injuries and treated for smoke inhalation.
Griesel emphasized that the rescue mission was a team effort, highlighting the dedication and hard work of the entire crew in battling the blaze.
“I could not have done this alone. The dedication and hard work of every member of the crew was crucial in controlling the fire and ensuring the safety of the resident. The crew not only ensured that the fire, which was spreading rapidly through the front section of the house, was brought under control, but their quick response was instrumental in averting potential tragedy and preventing further damage to the property. The crew’s actions not only minimised damage but, more importantly, saved a life,” he commended his team.
Sol Plaatje Municipality spokesperson Thabo Mothibi applauded Griesel for his bravery.
“The heroism displayed by Griesel serves as a powerful reminder of the dedication and courage that define our emergency responders, who continuously serve our community with distinction and honour. Firefighters face danger head-on to ensure the safety of our community, and for that, we are immensely grateful,” Mothibi said.
