I f you’ve ever watched a fire rage across the mountains surrounding our valley, chances are you’ve spotted him first - a flash of yellow on the front of the Unimog fire truck, hose in hand, braced against the heat. That man is Andrew Andimosi, the valley’s “Unsung Hero” for the start of 2026. Andrew’s journey into firefighting began long before there were radios, PPE, or a Unimog for the team. From 2015 to 2022, he worked at the Oaks farm before meet- ing Gavin Jones, for whom he now works. His first call out was in 2022 when Maan - skyn had a fire at the back of the restau - rant - the fire that changed everything. “There was no fire truck, no PPE… just a hosepipe,” he recalls. “We had to jump in.” The fire was safely extinguished but the need for coordination, equipment, and a committed team became clear. It marked not only his first fire but the be - ginning of the Greyton Volunteer Firefight - ers and the journey towards what we have now to keep us from fire with the recondi - tioned Unimog, equipment and a com- mitted team. There are two main frontline teams consisting of Andrew and Gavin (Team A), Les and Simon (Team B), backed up by the invaluable auxiliary team. Today, Andrew and Gavin make an excep- tional partnership. While Gavin navigates
the firetruck, Andrew sits on the front platform - the most exposed position imaginable. “The heat is what I feel first,” he says. “If I see flames, I can hit them immediately with the hose and keep us safe. But if it gets too hot, Gavin knows he must stop, make a plan or reverse.” Their communication is constant, steady, and intuitive. “We’re a team. He’s my eyes, and I’m his. We trust each other.” That trust is essential especially when flames can change direction quickly, rise 15 metres high and move extremely fast. Andrew’s physical strength is matched only by his resilience. He trains at the gym five days a week, plays soccer for the Greyton Roses, and runs the mountain trails - fitness that becomes a lifeline when climbing ridges with heavy hoses in brutal heat. “Running up hills with a hosepipe… it’s not easy,” he says with a smile. Yet for all the danger, Andrew’s mind Brave, humble, and fiercely dedicated, Andrew continues to protect the mountains and the community he loves. And this year, we proudly celebrate him for what he truly is: an unsung hero of our valley!
remains focused before every call-out. His ritual is simple: his wife, Lucy, hands him a bottle of water, tells him to keep safe for his family and he climbs into the truck. “Once I’m inside, I’m ready for the fire. Safety first. Always.” Among the many fires he has fought, a few remain etched into his memory. The Boschmanskloof and Park Street fires stand out - 11 hours of firefighting. There was a moment when the truck was surrounded, and he and Gavin had to leap into the cab to escape the flames and drive at speed out. “It was scary,” he admits. “One small mistake… you don’t know what will happen.” Andrew’s involvement with the firefighting team has made a significant impact on his life in Greyton. “The feeling of com- munity means a lot… We're one family. People help - from beating back flames to delivery of refreshments which are much welcomed. The newly established auxiliary team has made a big difference. We’re never alone out there.” As 2026 begins, Andrew’s message to the valley is simple and heartfelt: “Help keep our community safe from fire. Help each other if you see a fire and report it swiftly. Stay aware, follow the Whatsapp group ‘Valley of 6 Fire Watch’, and call on us when you need help.”
This Unsung Hero Article is graciously sponsored by
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THE GREYTON POST
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026
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