SA’s firefighters welcomed from Canada
An estimate of 14 million hectors was burned in Canada during this fire season.
SEDIBENG.- The Working on Fire Kishugu Joint Venture has welcomed its firefighters who were helping in the worst fire season in Canada.
This is 3rd group (Mzanzi3) consisting of 215 firefighters who arrived this week after 33 days of hard work.
Nomsa Mahlangu, is one of the firefighters from Vaal Marina base who was deployed twice to Canada to battle the infernos.
‘‘I really missed my usual meal which is pap and meat. I couldn’t wait to lay my hands on the pap at the airport when we arrived at Kruger National Park.”
She further said that the Canadians treated them very well and that this gave them encouragement to do more in their mission.
‘‘I did not get tired because it is a stress-free environment,’’ explained Mahlangu, further adding that it was interesting to work side by side with international seasoned firefighters across the globe.
“This was one of the learning experiences of a lifetime. The effects of climate change can clearly be felt especially with a firestorm of this magnitude which pulled out some of the leading firefighters across the world to one of the worst fire seasons in Canada’s history.”
Mahlangu had never seen such massive and large-scale fires like the ones in Canada. She said that the crew displayed selflessness and gallantry to the rest of the world as SA firefighters. ‘
“At times I missed my kids. I had to remember that Canadians need more help than my kids. Their lives and environment are at risk,’’ Mahlangu said.
