Wildfires are on the increase and threatens lives
The threat of wildfires is increasing, one of the reasons being climate change, the Working on Fire-Kishugu Joint Venture firefighters combat these fires.
Wildfires are becoming a bigger concern by the day.
Deliwe Mabena, crew leader Type 2 with the JS Moroka team for the Working on Fire (WoF)-Kishugu Joint Venture explains how wildfires have increased in the last year.
In a statement issued recently, the communications officer for WoF, Parapara Makgahlela, said, “Wildfires have claimed lives and left thousands of hectares of grazing land scorched across Gauteng during the recent winter fire season.”
Mabena, one of the wildland firefighters tasked with fighting these fires explained that in previous fire seasons, they would attend around 25 fires.
“Now it is a different story. Climate change is among many factors driving the increase in wildfires we are seeing lately,” Mabena said.
Makgahlela stated the winter fire season was especially difficult and on some occasions, they responded to as many as five calls in just one day. In total, she and her team responded to 56 fires out of the 295 that were recorded during the season.
“The nature of these fires was different. They were massive, and it took hours to contain them. You need stamina and laser-sharp focus to keep going,” said Mabena.
Makgahlela continued wildfires not only pose a threat to the environment but also to people’s lives and livelihoods. Mabena added farmhouses and animal feed were destroyed and people had to be evacuated.
“The panic is overwhelming for those caught in the flames. Wildfires do kill people. Basic training in wildland firefighting could be an option for farmers in remote areas. The Kishugu Training Academy has trained many of South Africa’s wildland firefighters, and such training has saved lives,” advised Mabena.
“Firefighting is dangerous. You put others’ safety above your own, every day. What drives me is to go the extra mile and do my job with pride,” she stated.
Makgahlela noted that Mabena’s story is a testament to the courage and resilience of firefighters who risk their lives daily to protect others.
“It is also a reminder of the growing threat wildfires pose in a changing climate – and the urgent need for more firefighters and community preparedness.”
