Merafong firefighters off to Canada
Several firefighters of the Working on Fire (WOF) Programme from around Merafong will leave for Canada to help fight the raging forest fires this week.
The wildfires currently raging in Canada are the worst in its history and have already displaced at least 120,000 people.
They have also shrouded parts of the United States in smoke.
According to WOF’s Gauteng spokesperson Mr Parapara Makgahlela, 400 South African firefighters have been deployed to help contain some of the blazes. At least four firefighters in this deployment are from Merafong.
Nokuthula Medupe, a woman firefighter from the Abe Bailey nature reserve team, said it was important for the collective to make an impactful contribution to fire suppression and mop-up operations in Canada. This is Nokuthula’s first international deployment, and she is glad to be part of this mercy mission to Canada.
”We are dedicated and committed to the cause of protecting the environment and saving lives. Our effort must fly the SA flag high. When duty calls, one needs to respond to help those in need,” explained Medupe.
She left her children and husband to help battle the fires. She said her children urged her to keep safe because they saw the raging fires on the television.
”I am taking that warning into this deployment.
“Also, it is time to learn new skills and techniques for fighting fire on the international platform. Other firefighters will join us.
“This is historic for me,” said Medupe.
Meanwhile, Siyabonga Mkhakwe, a firefighter based in Wedela, said the deployment was the biggest yet. This is his second deployment to Canada, and he is sure he has all the skills to fulfil this selfless task.
The local firefighters are part of the Mzanzi2 Hotshots team to leave for Edmonton, Canada, from the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport at 19:00 on Wednesday, 14 June.
They arrive at the Edmonton International Airport at 09:55 (Edmonton Time) on Thursday, 15 June 2023.
