South African Firefighters to Assist Canadians in Wildfire Combat - Cape Town Today
Customize Consent Preferences

We use cookies to help you navigate efficiently and perform certain functions. You will find detailed information about all cookies under each consent category below.

The cookies that are categorized as "Necessary" are stored on your browser as they are essential for enabling the basic functionalities of the site. ... 

Always Active

Necessary cookies are required to enable the basic features of this site, such as providing secure log-in or adjusting your consent preferences. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable data.

No cookies to display.

Functional cookies help perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collecting feedback, and other third-party features.

No cookies to display.

Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics such as the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.

No cookies to display.

Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.

No cookies to display.

Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with customized advertisements based on the pages you visited previously and to analyze the effectiveness of the ad campaigns.

No cookies to display.

South African Firefighters to Assist Canadians in Wildfire Combat

1 min read
wildfires international collaboration

Over 200 South African firefighters will join Canadian firefighters to combat the wildfires that have been devastating the province of Alberta. The Working on Fire program initiated by the South African Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment facilitated this remarkable international collaboration. This marks the fifth deployment of South African firefighters to Canada.

Minister Creecy Expresses Support for South African Firefighters

Barbara Creecy, the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, expressed admiration and support for the brave firefighters who will be embarking on the mission to contain the wildfires. She encouraged them to raise the South Africa flag and share their expertise and camaraderie with their Canadian counterparts.

Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Canada and South Africa

The Canadian Inter-agency Forest Fire Centre (CIFFC) requested assistance from South Africa as more than 550 wildfires have already wreaked havoc on Alberta this season. In 2019, Canada and South Africa signed an MOU, facilitating the exchange of wildland fire management resources, which led to the deployment of South African firefighters to Alberta during two earlier successful deployments.

First and Second Group of Firefighters

The first group, consisting of 200 firefighters and 15 managers, will depart from Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA) on June 3, 2023. The second group, consisting of an additional 200 firefighters and 13 managers, will join the effort in Alberta a week later. Their 35-day deployment will support local firefighters in managing the wildfires.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

The Working on Fire program is committed to diversity and inclusion. As a result, 25% of the selected firefighters in the initial deployment are women, and two members of the management team are women. This reflects the program’s commitment to ensuring that the firefighting force reflects the diverse population it serves.

Extensive Experience of South African Firefighters

Several of the South African firefighters have previous international firefighting experience, which will undoubtedly prove invaluable in tackling the complex fire situations they will face in Canada. Minister Creecy spoke proudly of her country’s ability to aid in this crisis, stating, “The extensive experience and training of these firefighters will significantly enhance efforts to effectively suppress and manage the wildfires in Alberta.”

Collaboration and Expertise in Action

As the South African firefighters join forces with their Canadian counterparts, their expertise and camaraderie will be a powerful force against the wildfires that threaten the people, homes, and natural beauty of Alberta. The Working on Fire program serves as a shining example of how nations can work together to address pressing global challenges and make the world a safer, more harmonious place for all.

A Russian-Spanish journalist and Cape Town native, channels his lifelong passion for South Africa into captivating stories for his local blog. With a diverse background and 50 years of rich experiences, Serjio's unique voice resonates with readers seeking to explore Cape Town's vibrant culture. His love for the city shines through in every piece, making Serjio the go-to source for the latest in South African adventures.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Previous Story

Enhancing Accountability and Quality Service Delivery in South African Municipalities

Next Story

Cape Town’s Citizens Name New Anti-Litter Mascot

Latest from Blog

Legal Crossroads in Saldanha Bay: The Joshlin Smith Case

The Joshlin Smith case in Saldanha Bay is a tense legal battle about serious human trafficking charges involving a missing child. The quiet fishing town became a spotlight for grief and hope as the courtroom drama unfolded, relying heavily on witness testimony with little physical proof. The defense challenged the weak evidence, while the community and media watched closely, showing how justice is both a legal fight and a story told through public eyes. This case reveals South Africa’s struggle to find truth and fairness amid deep pain and uncertainty.

Wildfire on Table Mountain: Cape Town’s Annual Battle Against the Flames

Each dry summer, wildfires sweep across Cape Town’s Table Mountain, driven by hot winds, invasive plants, and sometimes human carelessness. These fires roar quickly through thick fynbos, threatening rare plants and homes alike, while firefighters battle bravely from land and sky to control the flames. The community comes together, sending supplies and support, showing how deeply Cape Towners care for their mountain. Though fire is part of nature’s cycle, climate change and frequent blazes put this delicate balance at risk, making every effort to protect Table Mountain more important than ever.

Public Outcry and a Policy Reversed: The Scrapping of South Africa’s VAT Hike

South Africa decided not to raise VAT by 0.5% after a big public outcry. People worried the extra tax would make life harder with rising prices and many without jobs. Protests, legal fights, and political pressure made the government change its mind. This choice shows how South Africans’ voices can shape important government decisions. Now, the country faces new challenges to find money without hurting its people.

Miracle on the Rails: Four Women Transform a Cape Town Commute

One busy morning on a Cape Town train, four women from Herschel Girls’ School helped a young mother give birth right there in the crowded carriage. With calm hearts and quick thinking, they cleared space, sang songs of hope, and supported her through the pain. When baby Grace cried for the first time, passengers cheered, turning the train into a joyful celebration. This amazing act of kindness showed how ordinary people can come together to create miracles in the most surprising moments.

Saturday Night Rugby: Cape Town’s Urban Festival Unfolds

Saturday Night Rugby in Cape Town lights up the city with a mix of thrilling rugby, music, and fun for families. Fans dressed in blue gather early to welcome the Stormers, turning the streets and stadium into a buzzing playground of cheers, food, and games. The city blends sport and culture seamlessly, with special transport making sure everyone moves smoothly through the lively crowds. As rugby and jazz fans fill the night, Cape Town shines bright, celebrating community, tradition, and the joy of being together.