Durban — The Working on Fire (WOF) Kishugu Joint Venture based in KwaZulu-Natal has experienced the busiest week in the winter fire season.
WOF, which is under and funded by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, is an Expanded Public Works Programme aimed at providing work opportunities to young men and women.
WOF-Kishugu said it has had one of the busiest weeks since the start of the winter fire season in June.
WOF-Kishugu has 41 teams stationed across the province in partnership with various partners. They have nine teams stationed with the local Fire Protection Association, 16 teams based at nature reserves, 10 teams with Forestry Plantations, and six stationed at local municipalities.
WOF-Kishugu general manager Stephen Boyes said WOF-Kishugu has been collaborating with partners and landowners firefighters have been working tirelessly on the front line to suppress unwanted fires and ensure the saving of communities, plantations and nature reserves.
“Last week was one of our busiest since the start of winter fire season in the province, with teams being on the front lines of fires for more than eight hours due to the magnitude of the fire, as the province has been experiencing windy, hot and dry weather conditions,” Boyes said.
He said that over the first two weeks of July, the SA Weather Service has shown the province has a high Fire Danger Index.
“Teams have been on high alert and on standby over the weekends to ensure a swift response when dispatched; firefighters have been working throughout the night to ensure the suppression of any signs of fires,” Boyes said.
He said WOF-Kishugu responded to the call when dispatched by partners and landowners to assist in collaborative fire suppression operations. From Monday, July 8, to Sunday, July 14, WOF-Kishugu recorded 92 fires.
“This is a drastic and disturbing spike in the number of fires in the province, compared to the 51 fires we have recorded from January to June of this year. In July alone we have assisted in 127 fires. We are currently at the heart of the winter fire season as August is generally known as the windiest month,” Boyes said.
He added that all hands must be on deck to ensure they survive this winter fire season. Climate change has greatly impacted the weather conditions, creating these intense fires that burn for over two days, day and night.
“We wish to express our deep sadness for the tragic loss of the brave man (1) and women (5) who succumbed to injuries sustained during the devastating fire incident in the KZN Midlands. Their dedication and selflessness in the face of danger show the true spirit of service and sacrifice that defines our firefighting community,” Boyes said.
Three firefighters died at the scene while three were placed on ventilators, with one airlifted to hospital. Two other patients were also in critical condition, requiring urgent advanced life support treatment. Later the death toll rose to six after three firefighters succumbed to their injuries.
He said over 800 firefighters stationed in 41 bases remain on high alert to assist in fire suppression where needed.
He also urged community members to be vigilant and report any signs of an unattended fire to their local authority.
Meanwhile, KZN DA leader Francois Rodgers said KZN’s wildfires were a wake-up call for a proactive approach.
In a statement, Rodgers said the party in the province expresses its deepest condolences to the families and friends of those who have lost loved ones in the ongoing runaway wildfires. To date, they understand at least 13 people have died.
“This tragic incident highlights the importance of being increasingly prepared and equipped for such events, especially in a province like KZN, which is largely rural, where such incidents further hinder the availability and access to emergency services. This natural phenomenon also further puts the spotlight on the devastating effects of global warming. We can no longer ignore this,” Rodgers said.
He said now, more than ever, it has become imperative that they become a proactive provincial government. This is why he has full confidence that under the Government of Provincial Unity, in which the DA plays a key part, the Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs and the relevant authorities will prioritise incidents of runaway fires, thereby saving lives, livestock and homes.
Rodgers added that KZN and its residents have in the recent past been subjected to several destructive natural occurrences but they have been resilient and picked up the pieces.
“The deadly out-of-control blazes were discussed in Cabinet today where it was agreed that this remains one of the province’s critical issues to deal with,” Rodgers said.
WhatsApp your views on this story at 071 485 7995.
Daily News