11 December 2010
We watched all afternoon as the flames spread like wildfire from the edge of the township up through the forests bordering the town of Hout Bay. Helicopters were quick to arrive. First they filled their water bombs from a reservoir somewhere in the town, then they descended to the sea in front of the beach. The hillside was ablaze with fire. The speed at which the fire spread up the mountain, the strong wind fanning the flames was alarming to say the least and it was very provident indeed that the direction of the wind did not change suddenly as it has a habit of doing. You could see that if they did not extinguish every last flame then it could spell disaster, for the houses scattered around Hout Bay are set very high on the hill. It was the most amazing feat of aviation as the helicopters climbed high, keeping perilously close to the ridge of the mountain. Two other light aircraft flew high overhead, presumably taking press photographs. Now another helicopter arrived on the scene and they continued until every last puff of smoke was extinguished. Tonight we can rest easy, we only have the howling wind to contend with......
Susan Mackay