Local heroes return from firefighting mission in Canada
Firefighters from Krugersdorp who went on a rescue mission to Canada have returned to tell their story.
The Working on Fire (WoF) Programme firefighters from Krugersdorp who assisted in controlling one of Canada’s worst-ever fires have returned as heroes.
• Also read: Six local firefighters off to Canada
Three of the six firefighters who were part of the deployment to Canada from Mogale namely, Tumelo Makola, Kgomotso Ngqaqu, and Thatoemang Molefe are back home after spending 33 days in the Alberta province. The trio was part of the team of 213 brave men and women who returned from Canada on July 9. They worked with 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’.
• Also read: Firefighters ready to fight should the need arise
Tumelo said the exposure he got during the deployment was massive because he has worked with international firemen. He added that the journey also helped him see things differently as being on the other side of the world since this was the first international firefighting deployment.
‘‘The use of technology in the battle against fires was a new thing to me and kept me intrigued. This has been one of the exciting deployments because there are many fires to contain. I also enjoyed encountering bears on the sites,’’ he said.
Tumelo added he is ready to be part of the winter fire season in South Africa and believes the experience he gained in North America will aid South Africans who need help.
“I anticipate a hectic fire season. The fires here are different from those in Canada,” he said.
The trio is happy to have made it home safely and is looking forward to their next mission.
