Firefighter training camp scheduled for 10 days
At least 310 firefighters will be expected to attend Gauteng Working on Fire's Yellow Card Training Camp.
Gauteng’s Working on Fire programme will prepare firefighters for winter fires through its Yellow Card Training Camp to be held at the Roodeplaat Youth Centre, east of Pretoria from March 8 to 18.
According to Stephen Boyes, the general manager for Working on Fire in Gauteng, training camps prepare and certify firefighters’ mental and physical fitness before the winter fire season begins.
He said the firefighters will perform exercises such as firewall, route march 10km, fire awareness education workshops, and a 2,4km run, pull, push and sit-ups.
“To perform the herculean task of fighting raging fires, Working on Fire firefighters must undergo these tests,” Boyes said.
He added at least 310 firefighters will be expected to attend the training camp since it is a legal requirement.
‘‘We have 15 teams across all the regions in Gauteng,’’ he said.
He further explained that participants without yellow cards are not allowed to battle blazes during the winter fire season. Boyes emphasised that the Working on Fire programme implements Integrated Fire Management.
Benjamin Kotlolo, a firefighter at Leeuwfontein base said that he is excited that the training camp is looming in preparation for the winter fire season.
‘‘The training camp is full of herculean activities. The topmost challenging activity is the route march which requires collective participation. This is intended to test the endurance of the teams and if they can withstand heat strokes. Alas, it gives me goosebumps,’’ said Kotlolo.
He said his team is preparing thoroughly for the camp because one must be part of the fire season.
‘‘All crew members are gearing to partake in the training camp,’’ he quipped.
