I ATTENDED the Vortex Easter party, and the ensuing fire and feel that the report in Paarl Post was an overreaction.
There was maybe a small amount of chaos when the party-goers went from tent to tent making it clear that there was a fire.
The organisers knew the risk of fire and were prepared. The fire truck left the event some time during Sunday evening before the fire started. I have no idea why they would have done that, but clearly the fire department felt there was no threat.
I do understand the sensitivity of the surrounding nature reserve, farms and fynbos. I am a nature lover and do a lot of hiking in the area. The reality is that the people who attend these parties are concerned about the environment and are pro-active to leave as small a carbon footprint as possible.
The fire brought unnecessary attention to what was an incredible Easter celebration.
What wasn’t mentioned was the party-goers that helped fight the fire. There where about 40 people that stayed behind and risked there lives to help put out the fire even before the fire department got there.
I feel that the avoidance of what could have been a tragedy was due to the quick thinking of the organisers, security and the those that kept their wits about them to help evacuate the affected camp site.
The fire did not break out in the middle of the party, it happened at the bottom of the last camp site. The fire spread quickly because of the wind.
When we entered the party the signs read, “NO FIRES, LEAVE YOUR VALUABLES LOCKED IN YOUR CAR,” and so on.
The organisers had advised everyone as to their safety and that of their belongings. If that advice wasn’t taken, it can only be blamed on the negligence of certain individuals that caused the fire and it should not affect all the other peaceful party-goers.
On the subject of drugs, unfortunately it is a problem in our society. No fingers should be pointed at these trance parties specifically.
Have you walked down Long Street in Cape Town recently, or your local settlement that is inundated with Tik addicts? That is where the spotlight should be shone.Maria Trautmann
