“I read recently in the Down to Earth edition of 19 November 2024 that, due to climate change, the last year has been one of the most difficult for fire services across the world. From Europe to Central Africa and even in the Middle East, mega fires, which are fires that stretch over vast areas and continue for a long time, were experienced firsthand,” stated Ald (Dr) Elna von Schlicht, Executive Mayor of the Cape Winelands District Municipality (CWDM) during her address. The Mayor went on to say, “It is against this incredibly difficult background that we celebrate the graduation of 29 new firefighters who, despite the dangerous and unpredictable nature of the work, are prepared to protect our lives, properties, livelihoods and environment.”
The 29 students successfully completed their intensive six-week training course to equip them to join the firefighting fraternity. One of the eldest recruits, Neville Bhé (36), hails from Overstrand Municipality. He stated, “The training was tough and intense; at first, I thought I may have made a mistake training at my age, but between the instructors and my team we pushed through!” Neville Bhé also received the Heinrich Louw Trophy for Student of the Course. This trophy is awarded to the student who has shown discipline, respect, teamwork and punctuality.
The Mayor shared that the CWDM’s Fire Services has prepared their annual fire season preparedness plan. “Based on eight steps, the plan outlines how the services are going to prevent, suppress and manage wildland fires with the resources and expertise at hand.”
The CWDM Fire Services currently has 110 fire personnel and 12 dedicated firefighting vehicles placed at five fire stations throughout the district. Furthermore, the service is augmented by integrated partnerships with CapeNature and the Winelands Fire Protection Association (FPA), and contract aerial resources through Leading Edge Aviation and experienced ground teams through NCC and Lewis Bush Clearing.
In the event of larger, longer-lasting fires, Fire Services deploys the Sentinel, which is the purpose-built mobile incident command bus that serves as a central point for dedicated fire management and the deployment of resources.
In conclusion, Mayor von Schlicht stated, “The Cape Winelands is well-resourced, ready and able to take on the fire season of 2024/2025; but I implore the public to avoid making fires where there are no facilities, and on hot days to rather pack a picnic basket when visiting our natural spaces.”
Always report a wildfire. The CWDM Fire Services has a 24/7 emergency number: 021 887 4446 or call 112 to reach your closest authority.
