Pilot dies fighting fires in South Africa

A firefighting helicopter pilot died following a crash whilst providing aerial support for firefighting efforts in Vermaakliheid, South Africa.

The pilot was operating a Working on Fire (WoF) Huey helicopter when his aircraft went down over Riversdale, a WoF spokesperson confirmed. The cause of the crash has not yet been discovered, though the South African Civil Aviation Authority is investigating.

The pilot was named on 24 October as Nico Heyns. WoF said of Heyns: “Nico Heyns was a respected, highly dedicated pilot and long-standing friend of the firefighting fraternity. He was well known for going above and beyond in the line of duty. He helped fight countless fires during Working on Fire operations, which included the 2016 Cape St Francis and 2017 Knysna fires. During the course of his career he assisted in the saving of countless lives, properties and the environment. He will be sorely missed.”

Anton Bredell, Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, also gave his condolences: “The family, friends and the community of firefighters are in our thoughts at this time.” 

The fires in the region started on 22 October, seeing forces from the Western Cape Provincial Fire services deployed. Although one of the blazes was scontained, as of 14 October, two were still going.