Drakenstein Municipality mourns the passing of former Fire Chief Derick Damons
Drakenstein Municipality’s former fire chief, Chief Derick Damons, passed away on Friday, 1 August 2025. In its official statement, the municipality shared the following, “With deep sadness, Drakenstein Municipality bids farewell to Derick Damons, our beloved and long-serving former Chief Fire Officer.”
“Mr Damons joined Drakenstein Fire Services in 1997 as Assistant Chief Fire Officer and, through unwavering dedication and integrity, rose to the position of Chief Fire Officer in 2004. He served our community with distinction for 27 years, retiring in August 2024 due to illness.”
A lifelong firefighter and respected leader, Chief Damons was known for his commitment to developing disciplined, well-trained fire professionals. He was a father figure to many, a man of quiet strength, and a devoted servant to his church and community.”
“He also made a lasting impact nationally through his role on the Fire Services Institute Examination Committee, where he helped shape the future of the firefighting profession.”
“We salute you, Chief Damons. Your legacy of service, compassion, and excellence will never be forgotten.”
Fire and Rescue International share our deepest condolences on the passing of Chief Damons. A true gentleman, leader and mentor to so many, including us. Rest in Peace Chief.
Quote of the week “Nothing is given to man on earth – the struggle is built into the nature of life and conflict is possible; the hero is the man who lets no obstacle prevent him from pursuing the values he has chosen.” ~ Andrew Bernstein
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Mossel Bay Fire, Rescue and Disaster Management Services: Heroes amongst us
On 27 May 2025, a structure fire broke out at Mikeva Hyper in Mossel Bay. Thanks to the swift and courageous response of the Mossel Bay Fire, Rescue and Disaster Management Services, all 154 employees were safely evacuated and 40 percent of the building was saved, including the adjacent liquor store, preventing further risk. For their bravery and dedication, Station Commanders van der Mescht and Sternsdorf have received the Council’s Commendation Certificate during the council meeting on behalf of the team.
Heroic coast guard who saved nearly 200 children from camp in fatal Texas floods details rescue effort
A US Coast Guard rescue swimmer, Petty Officer 3rd Class Scott Ruskan, was hailed as a hero for his role in rescuing nearly 200 people, mostly children, from the flooded Camp Mystic in Central Texas. Ruskan, a recent graduate of Coast Guard rescue swimmer school, was part of a team that battled severe weather conditions to reach the camp and helped evacuate 165 people via helicopter. He was left on the ground to coordinate triage and further evacuations, ensuring the safe removal of the remaining campers.
Multiple shacks up in flames, one life lost, Ekurhuleni
An adult male in his early forties died after twelve shacks caught fire in Marathon Informal settlement, Germiston, City of Ekurhuleni. William Ntladi, district manager media liaison: Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS), said, “Firefighting teams from three fire stations, Primrose, Edenvale and Bedfordview, swiftly responded to the informal settlement immediately after the reception of the call at 00H36 early Friday morning, 1 August 2025. Primary responding crews from Primrose Fire Station were the first to arrive on scene, followed by Bedfordview and then Edenvale, respectively.”
Global SAR experts gather in Gothenburg for landmark G6 Mass Rescue Conference
The International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF), in collaboration with the Swedish Sea Rescue Society (SSRS), successfully hosted the G6 Mass Rescue Conference and Subject-Matter Expert Course in Gothenburg, Sweden, from 15 to 20 June 2025. The three-day G6 conference, hosted by SSRS, welcomed over 140 participants from more than 20 countries and brought together maritime SAR professionals from around the world to explore evolving challenges and solutions in mass rescue operations (MROs). This year’s theme, “Dynamic Solutions in a Changing Environment”, reflected the growing complexity of global SAR, from climate change to technological transformation. The subsequent MRO Subject-Matter Expert Course took place at Chalmers University of Technology, offering a focused environment for in-depth learning and discussion.
Cape Town firefighters deliver baby boy at Ottery Fire Station after unexpected emergency
A crew of seven firefighters ensured the safe delivery of a healthy baby boy on Thursday morning 24 July 2025. Around 05h00, an expectant mother arrived at the Ottery Fire Station complaining of abdominal pains. The second-time mother informed the crew on duty that her baby was due on Friday, 25 July 2025 and that she was going to give birth at Hanover Park Day Hospital. However, it soon became apparent the crew would have to work together for an unexpected delivery early that morning.
Inside the harrowing search: AI and Sonar used to find flood victims in Texas
Watch search teams in Kerr County, Texas, as they navigate the Guadalupe River in the aftermath of a catastrophic flood. Using advanced AI-powered sonar technology, crews scan beneath the surface for signs of human remains. This video captures the intensity of the mission, the powerful tools being used and the emotional toll on those involved in the search.
Source: Scripps News
City of Tshwane firefighters responded to a tragic shack fire incident in Mamelodi East
The City of Tshwane Emergency Services Department responded to a shack fire incident in Mamelodi East Ext. 6, on the evening of Sunday, 27 July 2025. Lindsay Zwelithini Mnguni, acting public information and media liaison officer, City of Tshwane Emergency Services, said, “The incident was reported to our Emergency Communication Centre at about 21h33 and firefighting resources were immediately dispatched from Mamelodi Fire Station to the scene. These included a water carrier and a bush pumper.”
Airbus A400M Firefighting Kit completes a successful test campaign in France
Airbus Defence and Space announced today the successful completion of a series of test drops and demonstrations of its A400M firefighting demonstrator kit in Nîmes-Garons, France. The objective of this test campaign was to conduct an independent assessment of the effectiveness of the A400M firefighting kit. The tests were conducted by the Entente-Valabre’s Test and Research Centre (CEREN), a French public institution authorised and approved by the Ministry of the Interior to assess forest firefighting equipment, training personnel in France and abroad, and which is an international authority in this field.
South African Air Force BK117 to the rescue
The South African Air Force (SAAF) has played a central role in the rescue of two men from a mountainside in the Eastern Cape, using a BK117 helicopter to hoist them to safety. On the afternoon of Friday 18 July, authorities in the OR Tambo District Municipality received reports that a 26-year-old man and a 61-year-old man from the Bayiza area had fallen off a cliff while searching for missing livestock. Search teams including South African Police Service (SAPS) vehicles, K9 units and EMS vehicles, were deployed but due to nightfall and extreme terrain, the rescue team was unable to begin the search upon arrival.
Greece launches wildfire satellite headquarters with OroraTech
The Ministry of Digital Governance announced the investment into four thermal satellites and a wildfire system with the thermal intelligence provider OroraTech. Together with a consortium of Greek subcontractors, OroraTech will deliver a system for wildfire management, including ground systems and processing services, as well as a constellation of thermal imaging satellites dedicated to monitoring the entire country of Greece for wildfires. This development contract will be implemented by the European Space Agency and led by the Greek Ministry of Digital Governance and the Hellenic Space Centre. This €20 million investment provides an urgent solution to combating the problem of the increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires.
Featured FRI Magazine article: Empowerment by Wayne Bailey
This week’s featured Fire and Rescue International magazine article is: Empowerment written by Wayne Bailey (FRI Vol 3 no 7). We will be sharing more technical/research/tactical articles from Fire and Rescue International magazine on a weekly basis with our readers to assist in technology transfer. This will hopefully create an increased awareness, providing you with hands-on advice and guidance. All our magazines are available free of charge in PDF format on our website and online at ISSUU. We also provide all technical articles as a free download in our article archive on our website.
Fire stations of the world: Richardson Fire Station 1, Dallas County in Texas, US
The new City of Richardson Fire Station 1 and Fire Administration Headquarters building is a civic administrative facility that is open to the public and a fire station that houses 12 fire fighters and is located at 300 N Greenville Avenue in Richardson, Dallas County in Texas, US. The building anchors the North end of the Richardson Public Safety Campus. The duality of the building, a civic facility open to the public during typical business hours and a fire station housing up to 12 fire fighters on 24-hour shifts, presented additional unique challenges. The architectural approach in response is realised through material selection, location on the site and plan organisation. The concept is embedded in the goals as set forth by the Richardson Fire Department. The presence of native stone characterises strength and pride for the city, while simultaneously referencing a home and hearth refuge for the fire fighters stationed on site.
Technology: ‘Cyborg’ beetles could revolutionise urban search and rescue
Common beetles equipped with microchip backpacks could one day be used to help search and rescue crews locate survivors within hours instead of days following disasters such as building and mine collapses. The University of Queensland’s Dr Thang Vo-Doan and Research Assistant Lachlan Fitzgerald have demonstrated they can remotely guide darkling beetles (Zophobas morio) fitted with the packs via video game controllers.
Fitness: Mobility drill (hip, knee, ankle)
Tactical mobility drill addressing hips, knees, and ankles. Use this drill to release the tension from the physical strain of firefighting.
Source: Firefighter Peak Performance
Training: Rope rescue course (Part 4 of 5): Raising to a high point
In this firefighter rope rescue training video, instructor Derick Caloway of Elevated Safety and Harken Safety and Rescue and Tim Anderson of Anderson Rescue Solutions demonstrate the how to raise a single person to a high point in a rope rescue operation.
Source: Fire Spotlight
Vintage: 1948 Streamliner
1948 Streamliner.
Source: Firefighters Australia
Inspiration: Quote of the week
Just for fun
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in the articles and in any corresponding comments are the opinions of the original authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Fire and Rescue International editorial team or its management.
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