Arlene Wehr is a brave firefighter from Cape Town, South Africa, who worked for thirty years. She changed the fire service by making it fair for women, creating important training, and making smart plans for emergencies. She showed everyone that fire doesn’t care if you’re a man or a woman, only if you’re ready to face it. Her work made the city much safer and inspired many people to follow in her footsteps.
Arlene Wehr taught Cape Town how to fight fires like a boss! She was one of the first women firefighters and totally changed the game. Arlene created cool new ways to find water, like “Operation Liquid Grid,” and made sure everyone had a chance to become a firefighter, even women. Because of her, Cape Town is safer, and the fire department is much more welcoming to all.
A ferocious fire swept through Fishhoek, triggering a code red alert and necessitating immediate evacuations. The firefighting teams utilized an emergency Joint Operations Centre, drones, and helicopters for waterbombing operations. Despite the fire’s relentless march, the firefighters’ valour, tactical use of technology, and unity shone brightly during this poignant battle against the blaze.
The closeknit community of Blowy informal settlement in Khayelitsha, Cape Town, has shown remarkable resilience and determination to rebuild their lives and homes after a devastating fire left over 500 individuals homeless and hungry. The community is highlighting the need for innovative urban planning strategies to prevent future tragedies and urging the City of Cape Town to address overcrowding in informal settlements. Despite the challenges, NGOs and the community’s unwavering spirit are providing support and hope for a brighter future.
Clinton Manuel has been appointed as the new Chief Fire Officer (CFO) of Cape Town’s Fire & Rescue Service, effective June 1, 2023. With over three decades of firefighting experience, Manuel has demonstrated his commitment to community safety. ### A Seamless Transition
South African middleweight fighter Dricus Du Plessis has high hopes of becoming the future African champion of UFC. With a professional record of 192 and having won all five of his UFC fights, he is currently ranked #6 in the UFC middleweight rankings. Although some fans and experts have questioned whether he deserves a title shot after beating two pastprimed fighters in Derek Brunson and Darren Till, Du Plessis believes he is ready.
The Fire & Rescue Service of the City of Cape Town recently organized an open day to create awareness about the crucial role of firefighters in the community. The event aimed to showcase the daily challenges and demands firefighters face while highlighting the profession’s importance.
Firefighters risk their lives every day to ensure the safety of our communities. International Firefighters’ Day, celebrated on May 4th each year, is an opportunity to appreciate the essential work of these frontline workers. In the Western Cape, the Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs, and Development Planning, Anton Bredell, has expressed his gratitude for the brave men and women in firefighting.
