Programme educates local learners about safety

The Working on Fire Programme in Gauteng has been actively involved in manual fuel load reduction and alien plant removal to minimise the risk of wildland fires in the province.

The Abe Bailey Nature Reserve team is one of the leading teams in integrated fire management activities in Gauteng.

Firefighter Nokuthula Medupe highlighted that the team has been conducting fire awareness campaigns and manual fuel load reduction efforts to save lives and protect the environment, especially with climate change impacting biodiversity.

ALSO READ: Does daycare build your baby’s immune system?

“We need to strengthen our efforts in implementing integrated fire management activities as the Working on Fire Programme.

“Some residents ask why we conduct fire awareness programmes during the rainy season, but the truth is, fire awareness should be ongoing.

“Fires remain one of the leading threats to people’s lives and livelihoods,” Medupe said.

She added that the team recently provided fire safety education to Grade R learners at Katlego Daycare and Isago Edu-Care Centre in Khutsong.

“Our mission is to empower people with knowledge about fire hazards, which continue to pose serious risks.

ALSO READ: Does daycare build your baby’s immune system?

“The children learned valuable lessons about personal safety. We do all these activities to save lives,” she said.

Medupe also emphasised the importance of alien plant removal in maintaining the ecological balance of the Abe Bailey Nature Reserve.

“Alien plants contribute to environmental degradation.

“Our team is actively removing invasive species such as Lantana and Pompom which consume excessive water and threaten indigenous vegetation.

“Additionally, we slash and brush-cut tall grasses to reduce wildland fire risks and keep the reserve tidy for visitors,” said Medupe.