The Working on Fire (WOF) Programme of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment in the Free State has assisted in successfully suppressing 66 fires that destroyed close to 10,000 hectares of vegetation in the Free State during the month of July.
Since the winter fire season has started, there has been an increase from the 46 fires that WOF put out in June. A total of 18 teams were dispatched 75 times to assist fire protection associations, municipalities, and nature conservation agencies with suppression efforts.
Apart from fighting these fires, the teams were also busy with prevention work in the form of fuel reduction, which includes dry grass. More than 3000 hectares were burned during controlled burns and while creating fire breaks.
Working on Fire in the Free State is armed with 570 firefighters, placed in 25 bases across various regions of the province. The teams are placed strategically to be able to render firefighting support to partners across the province.
“We are committed to the vision of WOF in making a sustainable difference in our environment and people’s lives. We demonstrate and live the values of WOF accordingly and thank our firefighters who are highly motivated and committed to serving our communities. We have recorded zero incidents on the fireline and that shows their professionalism in performing their duties,” said Working on Fire General Manager in the Free State, Antoinette Jini.
Compiled by Bonolo Moloi
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