MOKOPANE – THE Mokopane Working on Fire (WOF) team is currently the fittest team throughout South-Africa.
The team consists of 17 members and Abel Tuna, their team leader since 2013, is proud to announce that his team set a new record of 6 minutes and 51 seconds in the 2,4 km run during the Yellow card training camp in Polokwane on March 2.
The WOF initiative started in Cape Town to help with fire fighting and to produce employment opportunities, the short term contract was so successful that today it is a national campaign throughout South Africa. The first Working on Fire team in Mokopane was formed on July 6, 2011. The WOF works under the authority of the CFPA and in cooperation with the Mogalakwena Fire department, a working relationship and structure has been setup. It is a community driven project and the basic equipment and salaries are covered via a financial agency in Nelspruit, all other costs are covered by the CFPA.
“We are grateful for all the businesses and individuals that sponsor the WOF. We thank the Mokopane Biodiversity Conservation Center (MBCC), that supplied the WOF with a base-camp and administrative support especially Mark Howitt, manager at the MBCC, for all his assistance. We thank Ivanplats that is currently building two Wendy houses at the base-camp, which will be used by the WOF as offices and overnight accommodation during RED season,”said Mark Wreyford, voluntary base manager.
The team is based in Mokopane, but depending on where disasters struck in the country, they are transported to assist in the fight against the blazing flames.
“Most of the farmers in the surrounding areas of the Mogalakwena municipal district are part of the Community Fire Protection Association, (CFPA) and they pay a monthly membership fee. All members have access to the WOF to set up firebreaks and to fight fires on their properties. Members are only responsible for the transport after hours and for the costs of ration packs. The WOF can be requested by a non member but then they have to pay for their services,” said Mark.
If anyone is interested in joining the WOF or for further information, contact Mark via email at markwrey@gmail.com.
