South Africa’s Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment’s Working on Fire program has dispatched a second team of firefighters to aid in combating the wildfires in Alberta, Canada. The Mzanzi Hotshots 2, made up of 200 firefighters and 13 managers, will work alongside the previous team of 200 firefighters and 15 managers who arrived on June 3, 2023.
South Africa and Canada’s Memorandum of Understanding
The Canadian Inter-agency Forest Fire Centre (CIFFC) requested assistance from South Africa under the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the two countries. The MOU, first signed in 2019, outlines the exchange of wildland fire management resources, allowing for collaboration between Canada and South Africa in managing and suppressing wildfires.
The Canadian Wildfires
To date, Alberta has experienced more than 550 wildfires, causing significant damage to properties and infrastructure, and forcing thousands to evacuate. The deployment of the South African firefighting teams marks the fifth exchange of personnel between the two countries, with previous deployments to Alberta and Manitoba for wildfire suppression.
Highly Qualified Firefighters
The Canadian deployment teams consist of highly qualified firefighters with at least three years of experience and training in Canadian pump operation techniques. Additionally, team members with prior international firefighting experience will help to strengthen the teams’ capabilities in addressing complex fire situations.
Significance of the Deployment
Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Ms. Barbara Creecy, emphasized the importance of the mission in raising the South African flag and sharing expertise and camaraderie with colleagues from other Canadian provinces. The primary goal of the South African teams is to save lives, homes, businesses, and vast expanses of vegetation.
Working Together to Combat Wildfires
The joint response to Alberta’s wildfires highlights the mutual commitment and cooperation between South Africa and Canada in managing and suppressing wildfires. The collaboration between the two nations serves as an example of the importance of international partnerships in addressing global challenges. As the situation in Alberta unfolds, both countries will continue to work together and share expertise to safeguard the environment and communities affected by the wildfires.
