Garden Route Fire Services gearing up for summer season

GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - In preparation for the summer season, Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Fire Services recently hosted a joint integrated fire management launch with district partners.

Stakeholders at the event included the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment, CapeNature, SANparks and GRDM Disaster Management, PG Bison Forestry, MTO Forestry, Kishugu Aviation (WOF), Working on Fire and Nelson Mandela University.

GRDM Mayor Memory Booysen emphasised the need for stronger collaboration and integration between the different stakeholders.

"This will ensure better preparedness for the task at hand, as we deal with fires in a preventative rather than a reactive manner," he said.

Fuel loads 'a massive risk'

He said in the light of climate change, there is no longer a beginning or end to the annual "fire seasons". He referred to the fuel loads in the region as a massive risk and called upon all governmental stakeholders to work together better.

"Our discussions must shift to preparedness. District mayors need to address the fuel loads on all their various platforms. It is imperative that fires are detected early, and we ought to use the technology available, such as cameras and satellites, to assist in response and preparation."

Denneoord Airbase

Frank Smook, of WoF/Kishugu Aviation, spoke about coordinated operations and said the Denneoord airbase will be home to two command and control planes, two AT802 bomber planes and a helicopter. He stressed the importance of all agencies working together as well as having fire apparatus and aerial resources ready at all times, and knowing the region's fire danger index on any given day.

Smook explained the significance of activating an aerial firefighting response, such as an initial attack, as soon as smoke is detected in high-risk areas, in order to suppress a fire quickly and efficiently.

"Good communication is essential, particularly WhatsApp groups, which assist in coordination and can be utilised for communication among agencies."

Southern Cape Fire Protection Association

The Southern Cape Fire Protection Association's Dirk Smit explained the importance of having sound integrated fire management systems in place. He referred to efforts to improve integrated fire management, creating platforms to address the real issues, and reinforcing partnerships in the region to make a difference.

He also pointed out that the safety of firefighters is very important and that this aspect must be a priority to ensure that they can perform the tasks at hand.

Deon Stoffels, GRDM chief fire officer, addressing the meeting.

'Collaboration imperative'

Deon Stoffels, GRDM chief fire officer, said they are here to protect people and property, but it is equally vital to protect the environment, which provides a wealth of natural resources essential to the economy of the region. "Collaboration is imperative among stakeholders in fire management.

While protecting the urban areas, it is also equally important to protect the rural areas, including farmers and farm workers, crops, vineyards and infrastructure," he said.

The Summer Season Operational Plan is in place and ready to be activated for each jurisdictional area when and if the need arises.

A special recognition was given to the Provincial Disaster Management Centre for the "PDMC First Hour". This is available to the district from 1 December 2022 to 31 March 2023 to ensure rapid aerial firefighting resources can be activated upon vegetation or mountain fire detection.

Stoffels said fire safety and prevention is everyone's responsibility. "The public is urged to apply caution in their own individual spaces. It is however vitally important to alert the Fire Brigade Services immediately upon detecting any form of fire breakout."

The fire management launch for the season was attended by various role players.