Working on Fire-Kishugu Joint Venture’s 200 firefighters have returned from Canada where they assisted in battling infernos in Alberta province.
These firefighters were first trained at the Kishugu Training Academy in Nelspruit to be equipped with the skills and knowledge of wildland firefighting.
One of the local firefighters Puleng Lemao, a crew leader at the Heidelberg base, was part of the deployment.
Lemao expressed that firefighting is her true calling, and she is fully committed to protecting lives and property.
‘‘I was well prepared during my duties in Canada. We have accomplished what we set out to do,” said Lemao.
“The crew from South Africa displayed discipline and dedication by ensuring their safety was not compromised,’’ she added.
‘‘We have made our contribution and that is vital. It was also a learning curve as South Africa is not immune from the wildland fires.
“Climate change exacerbates the intensity, frequency, and spread of wildland fires,’’ concluded Lemao.
