Teams of Working on Fire (WOF) Mpumalanga and the Forest Support Programme (FSP) have combated about 176 fires between February and August. WOF Mpumalanga’s communication officer, Amanda Mthembu, said, “These fires have been recorded in both the Highveld and Lowveld regions and no injuries have been reported.

A few teams, including Working on Fire Mpumalanga, Injaka FSP team, Lowveld and Escarpment Fire Protection Association, and the Umpiluzi Fire Protection Association of the Highveld region, were also part of those dispatched prior to the official beginning of the winter season, as veld fires raged throughout the province.”

The winter fire season officially began on June 1.

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“The teams are on high alert as we approach the peak of winter fire season. About 22 fires have been recorded in just September thus far.

Our teams remain on high alert and are on standby to assist valued partners and stakeholders in integrated fire management activities,” Mthembu explained.

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The WOF programme is part of the government’s expanded public works programme and recruits unemployed youth from disadvantaged communities to arms them with specialised firefighting skills.