Firefighting
Study finds brominated flame retardants in firefighter turnout gear, including newer PFAS-free models
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A U.S. study has found brominated flame retardants in firefighter turnout gear, including in newer models marketed as PFAS-free. Published on December 16 in Environmental Science & Technology Letters, the research reports that some of these flame retardants appear at higher extractable levels than PFAS in certain gear layers, raising fresh questions about potential health risks to firefighters.
A firefighting helicopter crashed during operations above Hout Bay on 25 March, but the pilot walked away unharmed. Mike Bothma, an experienced pilot with Kishugu Aviation, escaped the incident involving a yellow Huey helicopter. An investigation by the South African Civil Aviation Authority is underway.
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In Cape Town, the sound of Bell Huey helicopters signals wildfires on Table Mountain, where pilots like John Mittelmeyer drop water to contain the blazes. These aircraft play a key role in initial suppression, working alongside ground crews to protect the area. Most fires have human origins, highlighting the need for vigilance in this fynbos-rich landscape.
In late July, firefighters at Cape Town's Ottery Fire Station successfully delivered a baby boy to an expectant mother who arrived in labour. This incident highlights the station's role as a vital community hub for diverse emergencies beyond firefighting. Crew members, trained in first aid and trauma care, routinely handle heart issues, injuries, and childbirth for underserved residents.