Thaba Fire and Rescue never back down

Thabazimbi – When flames roar and danger strikes, there is one team the people of Thabazimbi know they can count on — Thaba Fire and Rescue. From veld fires racing across the land to homes and businesses under threat, these men and women stand tall, giving their time, their strength, and sometimes even their safety to protect others.

Between 1 July and 23 September 2025, the team responded to an incredible 163 fire emergencies. Every call carried a story of lives and livelihoods at risk:

• A grass-roof home saved from destruction.
• A food truck lost to flames.
• A veld blaze sparked by a burning vehicle.
• A family home in Thabazimbi scorched, but contained.
• A business with a thatched roof completely destroyed… just to mention a few. 

Through it all, they fought relentlessly. Even more sobering, 104 of these fires happened during the official fire ban period, when conditions were at their most dangerous.

Speaking on behalf of the team, Angelique Loots, one of the directors of Thaba Fire and Rescue, said: “These past months have reminded us why we do what we do. We are always ready to tackle the challenges of emergency response and community safety. Together, we aim to strengthen Thaba Fire and Rescue’s position as a trusted and vital service provider.”

But Thaba Fire and Rescue is more than just a fire service. They are there when someone is trapped in the mountains, when a car crash shatters lives, when water turns deadly, when time runs out. They are there — always.

And they do this not for profit, but for people. As a non-profit organisation (NPO) made up of volunteers, they sacrifice weekends, family time, and comfort so that the community can rest a little easier.

A massive thank-you also goes to WildMed Emergency Services, who are always ready to stand shoulder to shoulder with Thaba Fire and Rescue when the call for help comes.

Main photo: Veld fires sweep across the bushveld — relentless, but never stronger than our heroes in red.

The truth is, they are not just responders. They are guardians. They are the heartbeat of Thabazimbi’s safety. And to every firefighter who pulls on those boots — our community says: thank you.