Local firefighters praised for their efforts in Canada

The Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mélanie Joly extended her country’s gratitude towards the South African firefighters from Working on Fire, recognising their invaluable assistance in combating wildfires across Canada since 2015.

The acknowledgment took place at a reception held at the Canadian High Commissioner’s residence, on Wednesday, August 2.

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This visit to South Africa formed part of her trip to Africa where she already met with government officials in the Ivory Coast and in Pretoria and Johannesburg, including Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola.

The Canadian Foreign Affairs stated in a press release prior to Minister Joly’s visit to Africa that her involvement in South Africa provided a chance to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the end of apartheid and to underscore the shared commitments that Canada and South Africa have to democracy, security and prosperity.

Speaking at the handing over of this recognition note to Working on Fire, Minister Joly, extended heartfelt gratitude to the South African firefighters who played a crucial role during last summer’s historic wildfires in Canada.

“Last summer, Canadians were under a lot of stress as we battled historic wildfires that created a lot of anxiety, particularly for communities that had to be displaced, including many indigenous groups.

“The smoke and smell was affecting the entire territory of Canada, reaching as far as New York City in the USA,” Minister Joly said.

She further stated that they needed help and it came from people here in the south who were going through their own winter season in reference to the 861 firefighters and management from Working on Fire who went to assist in Canada in 2023.

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“We were amazed by the work that the firefighters from South Africa did, they caught our imagination and we loved their dancing.

It just brought a bit of joy during difficult moments, so today we’ve brought you a special note from the government of Canada to say thank you and I know I’m talking on behalf of 41 million Canadians,” further explained Joly.

The Expanded Public Works Programme, Working on Fire programme has successfully deployed some 1750 firefighters and management to assist Canada in their wildfire firefighting efforts since 2015.

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Trevor Abrahams, Managing Director of Working on Fire South Africa said the recognition award highlights the success of their six deployments to Canada during some of that country’s most challenging wildfire seasons.

“This award not only celebrates our firefighters’ dedication but also underscores the achievements of South Africa’s most successful Expanded Public Works Programme,” he said.

Abrahams further stated that they were delighted to be recognised by Minister Joly. Seven firefighters who have been on previous deployments to Canada were in attendance and had an opportunity to interact with Minister Joly.

Currently, 216 firefighters and management are still deployed in Canada in the province of Alberta and are scheduled to return back to South Africa on September 2.

“Our firefighters in Canada received high praise from the fire authorities at Alberta wildfire as well as from the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre (CIFFC) for their fitness, discipline, work ethic and enthusiasm they brought to the fire line,” said Abrahams.

The deployment of Working on Fire firefighters to Canada is part of the Canada – South Africa Bi-lateral Agreement, which amongst other makes provision for support and cooperation on environmental matters and the exchange and provision of firefighting personnel to help each other during major wildfires,”