Six firefighters, hired by a private company, died on Sunday and three others are in a critical condition after battling a veld fire on a plantation near Mpophomeni in the Boston area under the uMngeni Local Municipality.

Midlands EMS spokesperson Roland Robertson said when paramedics arrived at the “horrific” scene, multiple patients were still on fire. He said the firefighters were contracted to a private company.

Three firefighters were declared dead at the scene and three died at the hospital.

“One firefighter was airlifted to the hospital. Two other patients (firefighters) were also in critical condition, requiring urgent advanced life support treatment. All the patients were treated before being transported to hospital for further care.”

uMngeni mayor Chris Pappas said Sappi, Working on Fire, local landowners and uMgungundlovu Fire responded to a runaway grass fire along the Boston/Impendle Road.

“As at 3.15pm three female firefighters had lost their lives,” he said.

Pappas warned the local community of the severe fire warning that was put in place and appealed for residents to report fires as soon as possible.

Emergency vehicles drive through a fire ravaged plantation.

“The uMngeni Municipality sends our condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives in the line of duty and thank all those who responded,” he said.

KZN Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC Reverend Thulasizwe Buthelezi offered his condolences to the families.

“We are heartbroken by the loss of these courageous workers who were fighting to protect others from harm … We wish a speedy recovery to those injured.”

The department said the fire broke out in an area characterised by difficult terrain, complicating the efforts of the fire and emergency services. “This tragedy brings the total number of lives lost due to runaway fires in the province to 13.”

The MEC called for those parts of the province affected by the fires to be declared disaster areas, emphasising the urgent need for additional resources to manage the crisis and aid recovery efforts.

In Durban on Sunday, one person died and over 300 were displaced after a fire broke out at 12.30am and destroyed more than 100 units at the Kenville informal settlement in Sea Cow Lake.

eThekwini Municipality said the City is co-ordinating temporary relief efforts for displaced residents.

The City said those who suffered minor injuries were treated by medical personnel on site and a young pregnant woman succumbed to injuries caused by the fire.

“A full sweep and thorough search by fire and rescue teams was conducted to ensure no one was trapped,” said the City.

A team of 30 firefighters was dispatched and eight fire engines. “The cause of fire is unknown at this stage.”

eThekwini Fire division commander for the northern region Bruce de Gier said the challenges were horrific as it was a large-scale incident.

“We struggled with access and water supply. Therefore it took about five to six hours to complete the incident.”

De Gier said many people escaped the fire, but a pregnant woman was trapped. He was thankful it was not windy as it would have been worse.

The Mercury