The Working on Fire-Kishugu Joint Venture in the Eastern Cape is making final preparations for the summer fire season, set to begin on December 1.
This season primarily affects the western part of the Eastern Cape, including areas such as Tsitsikamma, Humansdorp, Addo, Witelsbos, Longmore, Baviaanskloof, Joubertina and Gqeberha.
Nthabiseng Mokone, Communication Officer, said that WOF-Kishugu JV wildland firefighters recently completed the Yellow Card Assessment Camp, designed to prepare them physically and mentally for the demands of the fire season.
Mokone explained,
“These increasingly severe wildfires pose significant risks to lives and livelihoods. WOF-Kishugu JV has allocated some of its extensive resources to this region, including 12 utility vehicles, eight buses, and three fire trucks, with Kishugu Aviation ready to assist with aerial support upon request from landowners and government agencies.
“With wildfires exacerbated by climate change potentially triggering severe storms, preparedness is of the utmost importance.”
The WOF-Kishugu JV has worked closely with landowners and communities to limit wildfire spread with prevention methods in the lead-up to the season.
To further strengthen its response, the WOF-Kishugu JV has recruited additional wildland firefighters.
These recruits will undergo a 25-day specialised wildland firefighting course at the Kishugu Training Academy, after which they will reinforce current crews to ensure effective fire suppression during an anticipated busy season.
Members of the public and landowners are encouraged to monitor daily fire danger alerts from the South African Weather Service.
