SA firefighters return home from Canada.
(The Post News)- After a successful mission to assist in combating wildfires in Canada, the Working on Fire-Kishugu Joint Venture (WOF-Kishugu JV) firefighters have returned safely to South African soil. The team of over 200 firefighters was deployed to Alberta, Canada, in response to an urgent request for assistance from the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre (CIFFC).
The firefighters, known as the Mzanzi1 Hotshots, received a warm welcome upon their arrival at the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport. A formal homecoming ceremony was held at the Kishugu Training Academy to mark the successful completion of their mission.
The team was praised for their exceptional fitness, discipline, and commitment by Canadian High Commissioner to South Africa, Christopher Cooter, and Deputy Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, Berenice Swarts.
Cooter expressed his gratitude, saying, “Your courage and dedication have made a profound impact on our country. Canada is deeply grateful for the unwavering support that South Africa has provided over the years.”The deployment marks the sixth time South African firefighters have been sent to Canada since 2015.
The success of the mission is a testament to the skill, resilience, and professionalism of the firefighters, who have not only saved lives and property in Canada but also elevated South Africa’s reputation on the global stage. Notably, the team achieved an impressive record of no injuries on duty, thanks to their rigorous discipline and high level of physical and mental fitness.
Their ability to maintain peak performance under challenging conditions and strict adherence to safety protocols ensured that every firefighter returned home safely.The deployment highlights the critical role of partnership and collaboration in combating environmental disasters in the face of climate change. It also demonstrates confidence in the capabilities of South African firefighters, who are always ready to tackle even the most formidable challenges on the global stage.
The Mzanzi1 Hotshots were thanked by various Canadian officials, including Assistant Deputy Minister of Forestry and Parks in Alberta Province, Daniel Lux, and Senior Manager of Wildfire Response in the Government of Alberta and Alberta Wildfire, Brian Lopushinksky, for their hard work and assistance during the Canadian 2024 wildfire season.
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