The training takes place annually, refreshing the firefighters’ memory on what is expected from them and how to make use of their resources while on the fire line.

The teams began their assessments in May, taking turns in attending the camps in adherence to the Covid-19 rules and regulations.

The WOF firefighters were assessed in specialised firefighting techniques, which included firebreaks.

They were also tested on the WOF standard fitness test which includes a 2.4km run, push-ups, sit-ups and pull-ups in a specific timeframe.

Also read: Kruger Park prepares for winter fire season

They also did an exercise called “passing through the firewall”.

This is where firefighters run through the flames demonstrating the strengths of their personal protective clothing (PPC) and to do away with the fear of the fire and to enable them to withstand the smoke and the heat.

According to Ofentse Letswalo, the spokesperson for WOF, the teams are well equipped and ready as they have always been to tackle the fires during the season as they gave their utmost best in the training.

“As adaptability is one of the WOF values, our teams will be on weekend standby, fires don’t take breaks, they occur at any given time.

“WOF’s ground operations manager, Felicia Ngwasheng, said they have six fire trucks, eight personal bakkies, six buses and two pool vehicles available for the season.”