Limpopo prepares for winter fire season

The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment and Working on Fire-Kishugu Joint Venture (WOF-Kishugu JV) in Limpopo, has officially started preparations for the winter fire season. This is done through the Yellow Card Training Assessments to mentally and physically prepare its firefighters in the province. 

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WOF-Kishugu JV Limpopo spokesperson, Ofentse Letswalo said over 500 firefighters stationed at 26 bases in the province will participate in the training at their bases.

“So far, Mogalakwena; Molemole; Mapungubwe; Tzaneen and Soekmekaar have successfully completed their Yellow Card Training Assessments and are considered ready and prepared for the winter fire season,” said Letswalo.

PREPARATIONS FOR THE FIRE SEASON UNDERWAY IN LIMPOPO IN INTENSIVE TRAINING

He says the province is expecting a busy fire season compared to previous years. Letswalo added that the winter fire season starts from June to October, annually. However, WOF Limpopo has already dispatched ground teams to suppress over 30 wildfires.

“The firefighters attached to the Working on Fire Limpopo will be assessed in specialised firefighting techniques, theoretical knowledge, snake identification. Including awareness during the yellow card training.

The training will also include WOF standard fitness, which involves a 2.4km run; press-ups; sit-ups. Pull-ups within a set timeframe,” added Letswalo.

Celebrating 20 years of sustainability, the Working on Fire Programme is part of the South African Government’s initiative to create jobs and alleviate poverty.

WOF employs more than 5000 young men and women. They have been fully trained as veld firefighters and are stationed in over 200 bases throughout South Africa.