Pre-Fire Season 2025/26 – Operational Oversight and Financial Assistance Request

Date: 06 October 2025
From: D.C.van Leeuwen Boomkamp ( Chairperson )
DFW Fire & Rescue NPC
Sonstraal Road 1, Paarl, Western Cape
Email: Drakensteinfw@gmail.com | Tel: +27 847528120
Registered NPC | Registered PBO (Public Benefit Organization)

To Whom It May Concern,

As the 2025/26 fire season approaches, the Drakenstein Farm Watch (DFW) Fire & Rescue NPC renews its commitment to serving the Drakenstein community and surrounding areas through rapid, voluntary fire and emergency response.

We remain one of the most effective private rural response organizations with hundreds of successful responses per year in the Western Cape, providing vital protection to residents, farms, and estates — especially in remote and difficult-to-reach areas where official services are often delayed.

1. Operational Overview (as of 01 October 2025)

DFW Fire & Rescue currently operates a robust fleet of emergency vehicles and firefighting equipment, including:

• 1 × Samil 4×4 Fire Truck (9000L) – electric reel, 2 Honda 390 pumps, 5 flatline hoses (30m).
• 1 × Mercedes 1617 4×4 Fire Truck (6000L) – Godiva PTO pump, 1 Honda 390 pump, 2 reels (60m), 8 flatlines (30m).
• 1 × Tata 4×4 Fire Truck (3000L) – Honda 390 pump, 2 electric reels (70m), 6 flatlines (30m).
• 1 × Ford 4×4 Cruiser – 650L UHP system with 60m electric reel.
• 2 × Mitsubishi 4×4 Cruisers – Rapid response vehicles (now over 350,000 km and beyond repair).
• 1 × Iveco Van (1000L CAFS unit) – with 3 layflat hoses (38mm, 30m).
• 6 × Skid Units (portable firefighting systems) – 3 stationed at HQ, 3 deployed in the field.

Our private radio network operates through high-maintenance repeater systems, supported by Zello and WhatsApp communications. The DFW Control Room remains fully operational 24/7, coordinating responses and member communication.

Most DFW fire responders are fully equipped with PPE, and all 42 EFAR-qualified ( medical ) responders have first aid bags for medical emergencies.

2. Challenges and Needs

While our core infrastructure is strong, several operational weaknesses threaten our efficiency and safety:

• Aging Rapid Response Cruisers:
  The two Mitsubishi 4×4 vehicles, essential for fast initial attacks and mountain access, have become unreliable. Despite repeated engine rebuilding, they cannot be trusted for emergency duty. Replacement is urgently needed.
• Communication Reliability:
  Many handheld radios are no longer functional due to expired batteries and replacement costs. Participation in radio checks has declined, especially among farming members, reducing situational awareness and early reporting of fires. Replacement urgently needed.
• Coordination Limitations:
  Since the cancellation of the MOU with Drakenstein Municipality, DFW operates fully independently, with no direct coordination link to municipal fire services. This has increased the importance of maintaining our own reliable resources.
• Volunteer Fatigue and Staffing Gaps:
  DFW’s volunteers remain committed but stretched thin. To maintain safety and ensure consistent response times, we urgently require two professional seasonal firefighters (6-month contracts) to manage the rapid response units and assist with roughly 150-200 fire call-outs

3. Operational Model

DFW follows a two-tier deployment strategy:

• Cruiser Unit: Rapid response for reconnaissance and initial attack. The DFW cruisers usually reach remote and mountainous ( high value ) properties first, and the DFW cruisers have on board an extra pool pump which will provide the water to feed the powerful auxiliary pump for serious structural fires or protection.
• Truck Unit: Secondary support and extra water power for sustained suppression.

The urgently needed new cruisers for the coming seasons will each be fitted with:

• 800L water tanks
• Honda 390 electric-start Davey pumps (already purchased)
• Electric reels, nozzles, and auxiliary pool-pump systems for high-mountain properties with water sources.

This configuration, which proved its capability in recent high value property protection and rescue, allows deployment to veldfires and structural fires, enhancing DFW’s versatility and effectiveness.

4. Financial Position and Governance

• DFW received another clean audit from SARS for 2025.
• Membership administration and incident reporting are fully up to date.
• DFW is a Registered NPC and Public Benefit Organization (PBO), compliant with all legal and reporting requirements.
• Operational costs such as insurance, fuel, and radio towers are covered primarily by membership contributions and private sponsors.

However, due to rising costs and unpaid service invoices, our operational reserves cannot accommodate the immediate capital needs listed below.

5. Funding Request – Fire Season 2025/26

To ensure full readiness and maintain our proven service standard, DFW Fire & Rescue NPC seeks financial assistance of R950,000, allocated as follows:

The two old Mitsubishi vehicles will be decommissioned and sold, with an expected resale value of approximately R50,000 total.

6. Benefits for Donors and Sponsors

As a registered Public Benefit Organization (PBO), DFW Fire & Rescue NPC can issue Section 18A donation certificates, making contributions fully tax-deductible from income tax for both individuals and companies and count as Corporate Social Investment.

This means that every contribution not only strengthens community safety and resilience but also provides a direct deductible benefit to the donor — a true win–win investment in the well-being of the Drakenstein community.

7. Conclusion

DFW Fire & Rescue NPC is proud of its continued service to the community. We have the infrastructure, commitment, and experience to respond effectively — but our success depends on the readiness of our fleet and our team.

With your financial assistance, we can:

• Replace critical aging vehicles.
• Employ two 24/7 available professional firefighters for rapid deployment.
• Maintain the highest operational standards for rural emergency response.

We invite your partnership in ensuring a safer and more resilient fire season for all who live and work within the Drakenstein region South Africa.

For Contributions and Enquiries:

Drakenstein Farm Watch Fire & Rescue NPC
Sonstraal Road 1, Paarl, Western Cape South Africa
Email: DrakensteinFW@Gmail.com Tel: +27 847528120
Registered NPC  2017/344314/08   and PBO  930062323 Donations Tax Deductible under Section 18A

Since its founding in 2014 and thereafter since 2017 as a NPC, DFW Fire & Rescue has built a reputation for swift, effective response to both fires and medical emergencies across Paarl, Wellington, and beyond. Our high success rate is not coincidence – it comes from dedication, training, and the unique private infrastructure we’ve developed to keep our members safe.

One of our greatest strengths is that DFW NPC, is one of the few Watches in South Africa with a fully operational private radio network, supported by its own repeaters and a 24/7 manned control-room. This system is the heartbeat of our operations, ensuring that life-threatening calls are picked up and responded to within moments.

Why handheld Radio Still Saves Lives

While our control-room also monitors DFW WhatsApp groups, emergencies demand speed. In situations like a car crash, house or farm fire, farm attack, or sudden medical emergency, trying to type a WhatsApp message or make a call wastes precious seconds.

• With a radio, a single push of a button instantly alerts trained responders.
• Fast-changing scenarios can be updated in real time without delay.
• Our network covers the entire Drakenstein area and even stretches as far as Cape Town.

A portable radio by your bedside, in your office, or in your car could make the difference between life and death.

👉 Handheld radios are available from R2,500 incl. VAT, with an optional extended antenna at R800. The best part? Radio licence fees are already included in your DFW membership contribution, regardless of how many radios you own. Elsewhere, these fees alone can cost R150–R225 per radio per month.

Membership Matters – Protect Yourself and Your Insurance

To ensure full protection, it is vital that:

• Your DFW membership document is signed and up to date.
• Your monthly or yearly contributions are current.

Failure to keep membership in order may lead to insurance complications if an incident occurs. Having your paperwork and payments in place is not just about compliance – it safeguards your coverage and ensures DFW can continue to protect you.

Independent, Committed, and Proven

Although DFW sadly cancelled its MOU with the Local Municipality for now, due to issues around miscommunication and cooperation, our commitment to you all, as our loyal members has never wavered. The future cooperation with the Local fire brigade can be seen as work in progress

We however remain fully capable of:

• Operating independently.
• Working alongside other private fire suppression entities or District or Provincial forces
• Delivering effective, immediate response when it matters most.

This independence allows us to focus on what truly counts – saving lives and protecting property.

Take Action – Equip Yourself Today

Don’t wait until disaster strikes.

• Order your DFW radio now.
• Ensure your membership document and payments are fully in place.
• Rest assured that you are connected to one of the most effective private emergency networks in South Africa.

📩 To get started, simply send us a private WhatsApp message and we will guide you through the process.

DFW Fire & Rescue – Protecting our ( farming ) community since 2014.

🚨 When Help Becomes Expected – The Story of the DFW’s Silent Withdrawal 🚨

MOU with Municipality cancelled by DFW, and future vision probably back to member based service delivery.

In 2017, a small group of concerned farm owners in Drakenstein rolled up their sleeves. Tired of waiting, they acted—founding the Drakenstein Farm Watch (DFW), a non-profit, public benefit, self-funded emergency response unit. Built from scratch, the DFW became a lifeline in the often-forgotten rural stretches of our municipality.

They built what others only dreamed of:
✅ A 24/7 control room
✅ Private radio network
✅ A fleet of fire trucks, 4×4 rescue vehicles, and water tankers
✅ Ultra-modern fire suppression with UHP and CAFS units
✅ Medical first response teams
✅ Dozens of trained and equipped local volunteers

And they didn’t stop there. Even outside their member network, DFW answered the call—rushing into informal settlements, remote farms, and public spaces, often as first responders, completely free of charge. When the others were possibly delayed, DFW delivered.

The Municipality praised them, awarded them a Certificate of Excellence in 2019, and even formally appointed DFW responders as Disaster Management volunteers during COVID when official responders were hardly available. An MOU started in 2019 valid until revoked by the DFW now recently, was drafted to coordinate the growing partnership and organizing liabilities and legalities.

But goodwill has its limits.
By 2025, the DFW had spent millions from private pockets for free service delivery outside the DFW member group and never requesting a cent.  The demand, however, soared. Costs ballooned out of proportions. So, in March 2025, the DFW formally requested that the Municipality begin co-financing these numerous life-saving efforts.

And then… the tide turned.

Suddenly, the very entity that once welcomed free help, demanded compliance, questioned legality, and withdrew support with shattering accusations on social media.  

A tale as old as time:
🔄 The giver becomes the “problem”
🔄 The recipient plays the victim
🔄 The abuser cries foul when the free giving is set to stop.

Enough was enough.

In August 2025, after months of trying to find a resolution, the DFW cancelled the MOU and announced a complete halt of all services outside its original scope of the DFW member group, including:

• Free fire and rescue response to the broader community
• Free auxiliary support with fire trucks/tankers and manpower to the Local fire brigade
• DFW Community Response and certified training program for rural and informal settlements outside the DFW membership base.
• And finally response to general disasters and the costly supply of emergency supplies outside our member base.

Let it be crystal clear: We did not walk away. We were pushed aside.

💬 “Free help, once expected, becomes demanded. When denied, it breeds contempt. This was never the sought spirit of the free services we offered.”

As the next fire season looms, we ask the local authorities to reflect. Was this truly the right outcome? Could the loss of DFW’s capabilities and the response and the following more intense drama and material loss and even loss of life have been avoided by a more pro-active and appreciative stance?

Perhaps, when the silence sets in, and flames and drama rise, the value of true partnership will hopefully again be seen for what it was.

In the meantime, the DFW remain open to the Municipality to a fair, balanced Public–Private Partnership, built on respect, clarity, and shared costs and responsibility.

Until then, we step back and protect and focus on the farms, businesses and families within our legally mandated and signed up membership network—not in defeat, but in dignity.

We ask and urge all our members, to please have their communication network in order and the membership details up to date, especially as valid legal mandates are important for both insurance and deployment purposes.

The DFW Board
Serving with heart. Withdrawing with pain. Waiting with hope.

The DFW Fire and rescue NPC ( None Profit Company ) has made its Fire trucks, Cruisers, and Crew available for joint operations. They can also temporarily or solitary stand in to help the community when other resources run thin.

The Drakenstein Municipality acknowledges the DFW Fire and Rescue NPC as an important stakeholder during emergencies. This includes situations where medical and security issues arise.

During Covid, the DFW Medical and Fire responders of the DFW took on additional roles. They were appointed as Disaster management members and volunteers. The group played an important role when the need for extra hands and machinery was clear.

We place the MOU on our blog as a beacon of perfect cooperation. It shows how Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) are formed. The main goal is to join hands and serve the community.

Dear members, sponsors and friends of the DFW Fire & Rescue Non-Profit driven and Public Benefit registered Company/Organisation.

Enormous Fire Season Challenges

We are facing a very tough fire season, despite our previous efforts and investments to get enough resources and build the right vehicles and pumps, and train enough firefighters, which turned out to be right.

We are experiencing the most expensive fire season ever, with 22,000 hectares already lost in our area and great damage to buildings, businesses, and wildlife. The local authorities are asking the National Government to declare a state of emergency and provide extra funding. In this situation, we hope everyone appreciates being able to use the resources and response capabilities of the Paarl Based Private DFW Fire & Rescue NPC.

Over the past 4 months, the DFW NPC has already spent an additional R 1,460,000 to prevent disasters in our area. Our first responders have handled hundreds of initial fires, sometimes with the help of the authorities. Our specially rebuilt 4×4 tanker/pumper trucks with designed water cannon bays and our 18,000-liter combined trucks have been extremely effective in firefighting.

We believe in responding as quickly and as forcefully as possible to suppress fires, even though it’s expensive. The success lies in what has been saved and prevented, not just in the firefight itself.

Now we are facing a major financial problem as we often need to stop fires in areas that are not members of our group and have no insurance. This puts a huge strain on our resources.

When we started the DFW Fire response group NPC in 2017, we chose a funding option that includes a low monthly fee and a performance fee for fire suppression. Our efforts to get the Municipality or district on board have been unsuccessful.

We have upgraded our fleet and capabilities each year, investing heavily in training and equipment. To tap into insurance payouts, we need to offer a cutting-edge solution and perfect performance, reducing insurance costs.

We now frequently encounter situations where members call for assistance, but do not have insurance or the right cover in place. This is especially costly for field and forest fires on farms.

We have requested assistance from the authorities, as often we fight fires before they reach our clients, but nobody picks up the tab for that.

It’s concerning to see how few members have firefighting equipment in place. We are running on financial fumes and have asked for financial assistance many times on social media.

We have fought hundreds of successful fires but need everyone on board to keep our community safe, including the local fire brigade management. We hope those who have been served by our DFW teams will pay their bill and forward the claim to insurers.

For those who need to pay income tax, any donation to the DFW can be deducted from your tax amount.

Let’s remain vigilant, as the fire season is not over, and we need everyone’s help to make it work.

Daan van Leeuwen Boomkamp
General commander DFW NPC
Chairperson of the Board

Despite the relentless efforts of the DFW Fire & Rescue NPC in Paarl, we continue to face a daunting challenge without the much-needed financial support.

Our dedicated team, armed with an impressive fleet of 4×4 heavy-duty fire trucks and cruisers, has been battling multiple fires daily for months, day and night, leveraging our reengineered water bowsers and potent water cannons to unleash a massive 6-9000 litre water over a large distance, killing most fires in the bud.

Despite our best efforts, we have yet to receive the any crucial financial aid by the authorities required to sustain our tireless firefighting endeavours even on non DFW member lands.

It is disheartening to see the lack of recognition and support from local authorities, despite our numerous appeals for collaboration and communication. Even as we face another major catastrophe on the horizon, ( and we already saw a lot ) we urge all capable individuals to prepare themselves for the (un)expected.

Over the past four months, our highly mechanized and well-trained private group has spent an additional 1.36 million rand on pro bono firefighting to safeguard our areas from devastating incidents. We are now in urgent need of funds for fuel, equipment repairs, protective gear, and more.

Despite the commendable efforts of municipal and district fire brigades, we must never rely solely on the authorities for our security and fire safety.

The recent destructive fires serve as a stark warning, what happens if the authorities wait too long with a full response or with the right equipment or simply do not have the correct pre-warning mechanism in place, and we implore the community, business and landowners, to join us in this crucial fight.

DFW Fire & Rescue NPC seeks your support as we strive to build the strongest non profit driven firefighting force to protect our area and its residents.

Your additional assistance will enable us to continue our vital mission and ensure the safety and well-being of our community.

Website: www.dfwfireandrescue.com

Email: drakensteinfw@gmail.com

Office: 0847528120

Introducing the High Pressure and Volume Portable Fire Fighting Water Pump

Remote areas or thats roof property owners should pay attention.

Are you a resident living in a remote area with limited access to fire fighting resources? The DFW Fire and Rescue NPC is proud to introduce our latest innovation – a brand new High Pressure and Volume Portable Fire Fighting Water Pump. This specially imported pump is designed to assist residents like you in effectively protecting your property in case of a fire emergency.

Unmatched Power and Reliability

The High Pressure and Volume Portable Fire Fighting Water Pump is engineered to deliver exceptional performance when it matters most up to a 1000 litre per minute. With its high-pressure capabilities and impressive water volume, it provides an efficient solution for combating fires and minimizing potential damage to your valuable assets.

Key Features and Benefits

1. Portability and Ease of Use: This pump is lightweight and designed for easy transportation, allowing you to quickly bring it to the desired location. Whether it’s your own pool, or a neighboring property in need, the pump is readily available to assist you.
2. Pool-Friendly Design: The pump is specifically designed to be easily fed by your pool. Utilizing the existing water source, the pump quickly converts your pool into an invaluable asset during fire emergencies. This feature is particularly useful for remote areas where access to water sources may be limited.
3. High Pressure Performance: Boasting a powerful engine, the pump provides high-pressure water flow, enabling effective fire suppression over a considerable distance. This feature helps ensure that fires are swiftly addressed and controlled, minimizing potential damage.
4. High Volume Output: The pump delivers an impressive water volume of delivering 1000 litre water per minute at a throw length of at least 40 meters, allowing for efficient coverage of a larger area. This capability is crucial in tackling fires in remote locations, where water access may be scarce or distant fire hydrants are unavailable.
5. Reliable and Durable: Built to withstand demanding conditions, this fire fighting water pump is constructed with high-quality materials like a stady Honda 390 petrol engine that ensure its durability and longevity. Count on it to perform reliably during critical situations.
6. Extensive Outreach: The DFW Fire and Rescue NPC is committed to reaching residents in remote areas. Our program aims to make this specialized pump accessible to those who may face increased risk due to limited fire fighting resources. Contact us to inquire about availability and assistance in your area.

Training and Support

To ensure optimal utilization of this fire fighting water pump, the DFW Fire and Rescue NPC offers training and support sessions. Our team will provide guidance on pump operation, maintenance, and safety protocols. We are dedicated to empowering residents with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively utilize this valuable tool.

Act Now to Protect Your Property

The High Pressure and Volume Portable Fire Fighting Water Pump offers residents in remote areas a vital resource to combat fires and protect their properties. Don’t wait until disaster strikes – take a proactive step toward enhancing your preparedness by investing in this innovative pump. Contact the DFW Fire and Rescue NPC to learn more about availability and how you can obtain your own high-pressure, high-volume fire fighting water pump today.

Disclaimer: Ensure you comply with local regulations, receive necessary training, and exercise caution when operating the high-pressure and volume portable fire fighting water pump. Safety should always be the top priority in any fire-fighting effort.

ANCO/DFW CFP 7.1 CENTRIFUGAL FIRE PUMP

Engine Specification:

Type: Four-stroke, air-cooled, petrol engine Displacement: 390cc Output Power: 13HP(9.6kW)

Tank Capacity: 6.5L Fuel System: Carburetor-manual choke Lubrication system: Splash lubrication Engine oil capacity: 0.90L Starter: Recoil & Electric start (12V battery required) Ignition method: Transistor electronic ignition Fuel consumption: 3.5L/h

 Pump Specification:

Type: Single stage centrifugal water pump Inlet Diameter: 2.5″ (65mm) Outlet Diameter: 2.5″ (65mm) Number of outlets: 1 Outlet valve type: Ball Valve Priming method: Rotary vane vacuum pump water diversion Suction time Maximum: 15s Maximum suction depth: 9m Maximum Water Lift / head: 75m Rated Flow: 400L/min @ 6.5 bar up to 1 000 L/min @ 3.5 Bar

The ALL in One package: supplied with 30 mtr 65mm Flatline and nozzle and 65mm suction line and dirty water filter.

price inclusive of 15% VAT and Transport costs to Paarl R 37.150

come and see us for a demonstration and you will be blown away.

DFW NPC Fire and Medical Rescue Newsletter – October 2023

Experience Safety and Reliability in Paarl and Wellington with DFW NPC Fire Fighting and Medical Rescue

In moments of crisis, the first five minutes can shape hours of recovery. Just as we value private security and healthcare, introducing and joining the Private DFW NPC Fire Fighting and Medical Rescue could be a smart choice for your peace of mind.

Our Commitment to 24/7 Readiness Our private fire response group stands unique, equipped with 4×4 fire trucks, cruisers, and an unwavering commitment to 24/7 readiness. Partnering with renowned security services enhances the comprehensive safety umbrella we provide.

The Right Approach: Mandate, Communication, and Insurance Let’s delve into the crucial aspects of firefighting costs and insurance. With a growing number of fires and human-caused disasters, financial burdens are mounting. Crop losses, property damage, and liability claims have surged.

Since our establishment in 2017, our independent, well-funded firefighting response group has successfully combated over 1500 fires. The insurance industry has acknowledged our approach, which effectively minimizes damage and associated costs. DFW NPC clients enjoy swift emergency response, with insurance readily covering expenses. However, securing the correct insurance coverage and having a signed contract dealing with mandates beforehand is paramount.

Taking Command of Firefighting DFW Fire and Rescue can lead firefighting operations either independently or in tandem with municipal entities. Delayed responses and insufficient resources can result in devastating consequences and substantial costs. Landowners must secure “liability” coverage, encompassing firefighting expenses on their property—a provision often referred to as the “waterbombing clause.”

To provide insight into insurance policy costs, liability coverage for firefighting on your property starts at just R150 per month, affording R100,000 in coverage. Irrespective of the firefighting expenses, the cost of the fire itself and the damages it produces will be substantial if no action is taken at all.

Join Our Safety Network DFW NPC collaborates with leading insurers to proactively prevent large property and liability claims. By becoming part of our extensive emergency network, you not only save crucial time but also mitigate potential damages. Membership certificates are available and can lead to insurance discounts. As a Non-Profit and Public Benefit Organization (SARS reg: PBO 930062323), your membership may also qualify for tax deductions.

Our preferred membership starts at R440 per month for Land and Farm owners, encompassing emergency medical rescue, volunteer deployment, and radio network connection. In many cases, the discounts you receive from insurers when partnering with the DFW outweigh the DFW membership fee itself. For individual households, membership starts at just R235 per month, while Security Estates and Homeowner Associations can choose tailored packages suited to their unique needs.

Contact Us Today For all inquiries related to Fire and Medical Emergencies, kindly email us at Drakensteinfw@gmail.com or reach out to the chairperson at 084 752 8120. Take the proactive step towards your safety by joining the Private and Independent DFW NPC Fire and Rescue Group today.

Warm Regards, Daan van Leeuwen Boomkamp Chairperson of the DFW-Executive Board