The Working on Fire- Kishugu in the North West is currently facing a relentless on slaught of wildfires that have ravaged its grasslands and communities. This came after another busy weekend from Friday, 13th – Sunday,15th of September 2024 on the frontlines in North West with both ground and aerial resources stretched and working timelessly, day and night to the limit battling runaway wildland fires across the province.
This past weekend, over 115 firefighters supported by aerial resources were deployed to tackle fires in Borakala, R54, Dithakwaneng, Jacob Abattoir, Vredeforf dome, Buckingham and Boskop block A6 assisting stakeholders and partners. Strong winds posed a challenge, however, our teams remain dedicated to saving lives and protecting the environment.
Additionally, the Working on Fire-Kishugu Joint Venture Chopper flew 7, 31 hours with 123 drops per hour which consist of 1000 litres per drop and in each drop consist of 1-litre fire suppression foam.
The fire also caused various damages such as over 20 000 hectors burnt, livestock loss of life, damage to various properties and vehicles.
Since the beginning of this winter fire season, our firefighter attended to over 60 wildland fire suppression assisting various stakeholders and partners across the province.
The collective efforts of all those involved stand as a testament to the resilience of communities in the face of adversity. This challenging period in the North West serves as a stark reminder of the burning issue of climate change, global warming, the unpredictable forces of nature, and the crucial importance of community collaboration in disaster management. It also highlights the invaluable contributions of the Working on Fire- Kishugu Joint Venture whose dedication and commitment to saving lives, and property, and protecting the environment are unwavering.
