Pretoria, South Africa – (African Boulevard News) – As wildfire season continues for Canada, 200 South African firefighters are preparing to help battle the unprecedented forest blazes. This is the second batch of firefighters to head to Canada to offer assistance after the first group was deployed in May.
Under a scorching sun, these firefighters are undergoing intense training to prepare for the challenging conditions they will face. The training included various firefighting techniques, fire behaviour, hazard assessment, and basic first aid training to ensure the safety of both the crew and Canadian communities.
According to the South African Working on Fire (WOF) Programme, whose expertise is being utilised for this cause, the second cohort of firefighters is made up of 170 returning and 30 new recruits. The team is comprised of men and women, many of whom have been fighting wildfires for several years,
The WOF Programme has been working globally since 2003, and this marks the second time its teams are heading to Canada to provide aid. With the country facing an ongoing wildfire crisis, global support has been vital in controlling and extinguishing the fires.
“We are proud to be able to help our Canadian counterparts in this time of need. Our firefighters are well-trained and experienced, and we are confident that they will make a significant contribution to the firefighting efforts in Canada,” said Linton Rensburg, a Working on Fire spokesperson.
The South African High Commissioner in Canada, Sibongiseni Dlamini-Mntambo, also expressed gratitude on behalf of the South African government towards Canada for facilitating the arrangements and welcoming the team.
The team is set to work alongside Canadian firefighters for around two weeks before returning home. This deployment is not only an opportunity for South African firefighters to gain international experience, but it also strengthens international cooperation and solidarity during times of crisis.
In conclusion, the second batch of South African firefighters is headed to Canada to help combat the unprecedented wildfires. With this assistance, along with that of crews from other countries, Canada can continue its efforts towards regaining control of the situation. Their presence in Canada not only offers aid but also strengthens ties with other nations during this time of crisis.
