After a 34-day mission to combat wildfires in Alberta, Canada, the Working on Fire (WOF) team has returned home.

The 200 firefighters and 14 management personnel arrived to a hero’s welcome at the KMI Airport last Sunday.

The WOF firefighters assisted their Canadian counterparts, fighting huge wildland blazes. Their dedication, resilience and ability to work tirelessly around the clock saw their work lauded. “Their commitment to the mission, exceptional firefighting skills and unwavering positivity earned them widespread recognition and gratitude from both Canadian authorities and the local communities they served.

A heartwarming moment of triumph and gratitude as Mzanzi 1 Hotshots team returns home from Canada.
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Link to blog – https://t.co/9quHLNGNKw#2023WoFCanadianDeployment#homecoming pic.twitter.com/uJqBPgamzc

— Working on Fire (@wo_fire) July 10, 2023

“The team not only showcased their firefighting abilities, but were also the embodiment of professionalism and selflessness – core values of the WOF programme – as well as accountability, teamwork, excellence and adaptability. Their efforts made a tangible difference in the lives of the people of Alberta,” South Africa’s high commissioner to Canada, Rieaz Shaik, said.

He said while fighting fires alongside Canadian and other international teams, the SA firefighters also had the opportunity to observe and learn from Canada’s methodologies, strategies and best practices in wildfire management. “The WOF programme in South Africa plays a vital role with its contribution to international firefighting efforts. By empowering young men and women from disadvantaged communities through training and employment opportunities, it not only helps mitigate the impact of wildfires, but also transforms lives and empowers communities.

“This deployment served as a testament to the effectiveness of the WOF-Kishugu Joint Venture’s expertise in integrated fire management. It also highlighted the importance of international collaboration in addressing the urgent challenges of climate change and global warming,” Shaik added.

He concluded by saying that a second WOF contingent would remain in Canada for a further two weeks while the country is facing its most devastating wildfire season on record. With 8.5 million hectares of land destroyed and a total of 3 375 fires this year alone, compared to an average of 484 000ha and 796 fires in Alberta, this fire season had been particularly severe.

WoF MzanziOne landed back home from Canada pic.twitter.com/tRlP1tENPF

— Trevor Abrahams (@WoFWildfire) July 10, 2023