SEDIBENG.- The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment recruited three local firefighters to strengthen the teams ahead of the winter fire season recently.
The recruitment took place at Vaal Marina fire station base. Grounds Operations Manager, Khomotso Moagi said that the team had been without full strength for quite some time now.
‘‘In Vaal Marina we had 6 of our former firefighters employed by the Midvaal local Municipality’s fire and safety department. It was good that these guys are hired. We continue to work with them as well,’’ explained Moagi .
The new recruits will be sent to Kishugu Training Academy for basic firefighter course in Nelspruit for 25 days. This, Moagi said, will enable them to receive professional training in veld and forest firefighting. By mid-June the firefighters will be back to part of the team.
‘‘Through this recruitment we are fighting youth unemployment and poverty in those communities,’’ she said.
She further added that the landowners will be doing the fire breaks soon therefore there is a need to beef up the team.
