KwaZulu-Natal battles its worst winter fire season in over six years
|Published
Durban — KwaZulu-Natal has experienced the most devastating winter fire season in over six years.
That was according to the Working on Fire – Kishugu Joint Venture (WOF-Kishugu JV) in the province.
WOF-Kishugu JV in KZN has been instrumental this winter fire season in joint operational fire suppression operations.
“With dry conditions persisting, our firefighting teams have been on high alert, responding swiftly to partners and stakeholders to manage collaboratively and contain these numerous fires. The combined efforts have led to more effective fire management, leveraging our shared expertise, equipment, and extensive resources to tackle the blazes,” WOF-Kishugu JV in KZN explained.
“WOF-Kishugu JV has suppressed 220 fires year to date, with July being the busiest month with 169 fires and 42 fires amidst August. One of the longest-serving partners, the Fire Protection Association, recorded an astonishing 622 fires during July.”
Additionally, the WOF-Kishugu JV continues to share its expertise and skills with the community at large with other components of its Integrated Fire Management Solutions.
WOF-Kishugu JV in KZN said this includes proactive fire prevention measures designed to reduce the risk of wildfires and protect fire-prone vulnerable areas.
“We are also prioritising fire awareness education, with our ground teams conducting informative sessions in communities and schools to equip residents and learners with essential knowledge and practices for fire safety. Since the beginning of the year, KZN has conducted FireSafe presentations to 103 communities, reaching an audience of 3 716, and visited 55 schools, reaching 3 887 learners,” WOF-Kishugu JV in KZN said.
Meanwhile, nationally, WOF-Kishugu JV said some wildland fires have raged for more than seven days and the WOF-Kishugu JV’s extensive resources have stood up and responded to the call.
“Since the fire season began on June 1, the WOF-Kishugu JV has recorded 292 fires in Mpumalanga, with 48 of those recorded in August. The Free State reported 143 fires, 31 of which occurred in August. The Eastern Cape has encountered 206 fires, with 26 of these in August. Limpopo has faced 180 fires since June, 19 of which occurred in August. The North West recorded 42 fires, with six in August. Gauteng has seen a total of 182 fires to date, combating 26 in August. KwaZulu-Natal rounds off the provinces with 220 fires since the season began, 42 of which were recorded in August. The Western Cape reported only one fire despite being out of its summer fire season.”
WOF-Kishugu JV said one of its units, Kishugu Aviation, played a crucial role in supporting ground operations from the sky throughout August.
“From August 1 to 12, aerial resources were deployed 72 times, accumulating 130 flying hours. During these missions, a total of 529 drops were made, releasing 809 tons of water over affected areas.”
WOF-Kishugu JV said that by August 13, a total of 1 418 fires had been recorded across the provinces since the year began.
“This alarming number paints a picture of the severity of this year’s fires, highlighting the critical role of the WOF-Kishugu JV in fire suppression efforts.”
Additionally, last weekend saw a spike in fire activity, with 119 fires recorded in that weekend alone. With the August and September months being the peak months of the winter fire season due to dry and windy conditions, numbers are expected to rise.
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