Mission accomplished in Canada for Westergloor firefighter
Hundreds of firefighters return to South Africa after having completed their mission in fighting wildland fires in Alberta, Canada. One of them is Cynthia Madisha from Westergloor.
After assisting in battling fires in Alberta, Canada, 200 firefighters from the Working on Fire-Kishugu Joint Venture have returned home.
Crew leader Cynthia Madisha from Westergloor was one of the firefighters deployed to Canada recently.
“Firefighting is her calling and she is extremely dedicated to saving lives and property,” said Working on Fire-Kishugu Joint Venture’s provincial communications officer Parapara Makgahlela.
“I was physically and mentally fit during this deployment. We have accomplished what was set out to be achieved. I was representing my country well. The Working on Fire-Kishugu Joint Venture’s firefighters displayed discipline and dedication by ensuring their safety was not compromised,” stated Madisha.
Makgahlela added that before going to Canada, firefighters were first trained in Nelspruit at the Kishugu Training Academy to ensure they had the skills and knowledge to be able to combat wildland fires.
“The people of Canada appreciated their presence while battling fires and being able to work with firefighters from other countries is a testament to the South African firefighters’ competence,” added Makgahlela.
Madisha concluded, “We have made our contribution and that is vital. It was also a learning curve as South Africa is not immune from wildland fires. Climate change exacerbates the intensity, frequency, and spread of wildland fires. Together, we can put an end to raging fires.”
