Six local firefighters off to Canada
Six men from Krugersdorp are among 200 brave firefighters on their way to Canada. The brave are all set to embark on their mission to assist the nation in suppressing the blaze.
The Working On Fire (WOF) Programme is set to deploy 200 firefighters to Canada to assist the nation in suppressing the wildfires currently taking place.
Among them are six brave men from Krugersdorp who hope to fly the Mogale City flag high. They are Kgomotso Ngqaqu, Thatoemang Molefe, Tumelo Makola, Sipho Ntuli, Sandile Mdawe and Letlhogonolo Morweng.
The team departed on June 14 from Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport and is scheduled to arrive at Edmonton International Airport the following day.
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On arrival, the 200 WOF members will be joined by 400 other international firefighters with the hope of rescuing and assisting those in need of what is described as ‘Canada’s worst wildfire in the 21st Century’.
Canada’s Emergency Preparedness Minister Bill Blair announced on June 13 that more than 48 000 square kilometres have been burned so far as a result.
The brave are all set to embark on their mission to assist the nation in suppressing the blaze.
Letlhogonolo said it is important that as a collective to make an impactful contribution to fire suppression and mopping in Canada. This is his first-ever international deployment. He is glad to be part of the mission to Canada.
‘We are dedicated and committed to this course of protecting the environment and saving lives. The SA flag must fly high with our effort. When duty calls one needs to respond to help those in need,’’ explained Letlhogonolo.
Sipho Ntuli a crew leader based in Magaliesburg said the deployment is the biggest and most important assignment he has had. This is also his first deployment to Canada.
“It is time to learn new skills on the international platform. We will be joined by American firefighters. This is historic for me,’’ said Ntuli.
