KNYSNA NEWS - The Western Heads Fire Management Unit (WH FMU), that covers about 35km² within the Knysna municipal area, has officially launched its own Wildfire Strike Unit - a major milestone in community-based disaster preparedness.
This new unit is the result of years of effort by residents, local fire authorities, and external partners, prompted by the devastating 2017 wildfires.
A history shaped by fire
The Western Heads area, which includes the isolated communities of Brenton-on-Sea, Lake Brenton, Belvidere and Buffalo Bay, suffered serious wildfire events in 2009 and again in June 2017.
These fires exposed the region's vulnerability and the urgent need for co-ordinated local response and mitigation strategies.
In the aftermath of 2017, residents took action - clearing invasive alien vegetation and forming closer ties with fire protection organisations.
From idea to reality
The concept of a dedicated Wildfire Strike Unit was first proposed in early 2024.
With the support of Dirk Smit of the Southern Cape Fire Protection Association (SCFPA) and Knysna Fire Chief Ian Bezuidenhout, the idea quickly gained momentum.
A successful presentation to the Supporting Fire Services group led to a commitment in early 2025 to fully fund the project - the first time the organisation has backed a unit of this type.
Equipped and operational
By August, the team had secured a suitable vehicle from Cape Town, a skid unit donated by SCFPA, and essential hoses and manual tools.
With regular volunteer training now in place, the unit has already responded to two local incidents and stands ready to assist in future emergencies.
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