Three of the 109 firefighters deployed to Canada from Limpopo returned with certificates for best crew leaders and service in their respective divisions. 

This after a successful deployment to Manitoba, Canada, where the South Africans assisted provincial firefighting authorities with wildland firefighting efforts. 

The firefighters and management left South Africa on August 10 and at the time of their arrival in Winnipeg, Canada was experiencing high fire dangers, their available wildland fire management resources within the country were exhausted and they were on their highest level, National Preparedness Level 5.

The firefighting divisions were deployed to various active fires in Manitoba from Friday, August 13, Loon Straits in the Eastern Sector and the Cold Lake complex in the Western Sector where multiple fires were burning. This was the fourth deployment of the firefighters to Canada. 

The request for assistance came from the Canadian Inter-agency Forest Fire Centre. There is an exchange of wildland fire management resources between South Africa and Canada. 

The three of the deployees, namely Tonic Mahlare – Rooiberg Base Crew Leader Type 1, Johannes Modimola – Marekele Base Crew Leader Type 1 and David Maake – Regional Manager from Limpopo Province were awarded certificates for the best crew leaders and best service. 

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Speaking to the Herald, David Maake said the deployment was significant to him in his career and personally. He said the camp prior to the trip was insightful and the experience gained has been invaluable. 

The fires in South Africa and Canada differ, and it was an eye-opener to learn different skills in fire fighting while making a contribution. 

He commended his group for being brave and being motivated in their tasks. He said he is looking forward to other deployments to contribute and equally learning more in his field. Johannes Modimola said the deployment was one of his highlights and the experience was fruitful. 

“As a crew leader, I have gained a lot with the role I was given to lead the team through thick and thin by my superiors from, Working on Fire and the Canadians. “I believe I have left a mark with leadership skills and also being voted as the best crew leader for my division, that meant so much to me.” 

He thanked WOF for the Youth WOF Programme opportunity which was a stepping stone to his achievement.