Local hero dies after battling blaze near Pretoria

Iain Gordon, a well-known and beloved volunteer firefighter from Pretoria, tragically lost his life while battling a runaway fire near Leeukloof, northeast of Pretoria.

Reports indicate that Gordon, who lived in the farm and smallholding area near Leeukloof, went out last Monday morning with the Cullinan Firefighting Association, as many others did, to combat yet another runaway fire.

André van Heerden, the chairperson of the firefighting association, said the area near Cullinan had been battling fires for three weeks, with residents and firefighters working tirelessly day and night to protect homes and people.

Those unable to assist directly with firefighting contributed by bringing water and food through the clouds of smoke.

Van Heerden explained that the team initially had the fire under control, with Gordon working alongside a teammate. However, the flames flared up again, just 30m away from them, driven by strong winds.

It’s suspected that Gordon and his team tried to escape when they realised they might be trapped, but his fire control blower’s petrol tank caught fire. He likely fell while trying to flee or during the explosion. He sustained third-degree burns to 60% of his body; only his chest was spared.

Taken to hospital

Advanced Paramedic Assist emergency services were quickly on the scene. Without medical insurance, Gordon was taken to the nearest state hospital in critical condition. At Steve Biko Academic Hospital, he was placed in an induced coma and on a ventilator.

The Steve Biko Academic Hospital does not have a specialised burn unit, but Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Johannesburg, which does, is several kilometres away. According to reports, Baragwanath indicated they were making space for Gordon, whose condition had not stabilised. He was transferred there by ambulance late Thursday afternoon. By Sunday morning, the news of his death was shared.

How he will be remembered

Van Heerden said he will always remember Gordon for his willingness to help.

“He was a jovial person who was always friendly. I met him about four years ago when he moved here from the Western Cape. Iain immediately began volunteering.”

Gordon will be remembered as a man always willing to lend a hand, often seen driving with his dogs by his side.

A friend wrote the following on social media:

“Iain was… simply Iain. Likable, interesting, and good. He had a way of making you feel excited just by his presence. I could always hear him coming before I saw him — the familiar rattle of his black bakkie, the tools clanging in the back, and his dogs just as full of life and energy as he was.

“He’d pull up with that easy smile, and everything just felt better. His stories, calmness, and way of handling things brought this unspoken goodness wherever he went.

“A very special person left us today for his last and possibly greatest journey. We will miss you greatly, Iain. Many good times spent enjoying a beer and whisky tastings in shot glasses! You could chat about everything under the sun, and your general knowledge often astounded us. I will forever remember where the name spanspek or Spaanse spek comes from, thanks to you.

“You loved the ocean almost as much as the bushveld, and your knowledge and anecdotes on this will stay with me forever. You were always in good company, and we salute you as a friend and, in the end, our hero! Hoist your sails, dearest Iain, load your dogs, and have a wonderful journey. You loved the community, and we loved you.”