Winter fire season officially kicks off
Working on Fire has 275 firefighters ready to protect the community against veld fires this winter.
It’s officially fire season for inland provinces and the Working on Fire (WoF) Programme in Gauteng wants to reassure the public they are ready, should the need and emergency arise.
• Also read: Fire season is upon us, what are your responsibilities?
According to WoF general manager in Gauteng Stephen Boyes, they have 275 firefighters stationed at 15 bases across the province to tackle veld fires. In 2022, the province recorded 240 fires during the winter fire season which Boyes said is between June 1 and October 31.
Due to the country receiving too much rain this year, tall dry grass is the best fuel for veld and forest fires in the province. WoF firefighters are professionally trained to suppress veld and forest fires.”
He said they are deployed to various bases in the province to reduce the personal and economic harm caused by unwanted wildfires.
“Through our partnerships with fire protection associations, landowners and local municipalities, we will be able to respond quickly in rendering a highly skilled veld fire suppression service to the partners,” said Boyes.
“What made the programme successful in its 20th year and even more remarkable, is the fact that these firefighters are dedicated and disciplined. Firefighters also participate in fire prevention campaigns in communities most affected by veld fires,’’ he explained.
Boyes concluded that firefighters also did fire prevention initiatives such as fuel load reduction, prescribed burning, creation of fire breaks and mandatory fire safety campaigns before the start of the fire season.
