It is with great sadness that Working on Fire confirms the death of Huey Pilot Darrell Rea and Helicopter Safety Leader Jastun (Justin) Visagie.

WoF provided ground and aerial teams to help with fire suppression at the Bain’s Kloof fire. The runaway veldfire was in mountainous terrain between Wellington and Ceres on the 22 April 2015.

While landing at the fire scene in strong winds, to position the helicopter into the fire-bombing role, the Bell UH-1H (Huey) impacted a mountainside in Bain’s Kloof close to Wellington, Western Cape.

The Minister of Environmental Affairs Edna Molewa has expressed her condolences to the families of Darrell Rea and Jastun Visagie.

“At a time of great sadness for the families of the deceased, and for all of us as the Department of Environmental Affairs, we salute their bravery and dedication to their work,” said Minister Molewa, adding: “They risked their own lives to protect others: we are immensely grateful for their contribution.

Not just the residents of the fire- affected areas, but all South Africans.” “Darrell and Jastun will always be remembered for their sacrifice in the line of duty. We have lost two young men who were committed to serve their country,” said Llewellyn Pillay, Managing Director on behalf of WoF.

The exact cause of the accident is being investigated by the SACAA and Working on Fire Aviation.