FIRE-FIGHTERS from Kouga’s two coastal stations will be testing their mettle against each other this November.
The first Kouga Fire Drill Competition, set to be contested between the Jeffreys Bay and St Francis stations, kicks off at Jeffreys Bay this week.
Kouga Community Services Portfolio Councillor, Daniel Benson, said the competition would be contested over three rounds at local primary schools.
“The action will be taking place at local schools as part of our wider campaign to educate children about fire safety,” he said.
The first round will take place on November 6 at Pharos Primary in Jeffreys Bay and the second round at Sea Vista Primary on November 13.
The finals will be held at Jeffreys Bay Primary on November 27.
Benson said each team would consist of five fire-fighters, who would need to complete various job-related activities within a predetermined time.
“The activities will range from donning their protective uniforms and cutting through logs with chainsaws to rolling out hoses and extinguishing fires with foam,” he said.
“There will also be a fitness test. We are particularly looking forward to the final event when the Deputy Chief Fire of the coastal stations will be challenging a fire-fighter from each station to a race.”
He thanked the Deputy Fire Chief of Kouga’s coastal stations, Marlin Sodien, for the initiative.
“The event will give children a taste of what it takes to be a fire-fighter.
“It is also a good way for our fire-fighters’ to brush up on their skills and to ensure they are fit and capable of performing their duties, especially with the festive season lying ahead,” he said.
He said the aim was to make the competition an annual event and to include Kouga’s inland stations as well.
Issued: Kouga Municipality
