The Working on Fire-Kishugu Joint Venture (WOF-Kishugu JV) has been instrumental in this winter fire season, playing a critical role in joint-organisational fire suppression operations. Some wildland fires have raged for more than seven days and the WOF-Kishugu JV’s extensive resources have stood up and responded to the call. With dry conditions persisting, its firefighting teams have been on high alert, responding swiftly to partners and stakeholders to collaboratively manage and contain numerous fires. These combined efforts have led to more effective fire management, leveraging shared expertise, equipment, and extensive resources to tackle the blazes.
Provincial Overview
Since the fire season began on 1 June 2024, the WOF-Kishugu JV has recorded 292 fires in Mpumalanga, with 48 of those recorded in August. The Free State reported 143 fires, 31 of which occurred in August. The Eastern Cape has encountered 206 fires, with 26 of these in August. Limpopo has faced 180 fires since June, 19 of which occurred in August. The North West recorded 42 fires, with 6 in August. Gauteng has seen a total of 182 fires to date, combating 26 in August. KwaZulu-Natal rounds off the provinces with 220 fires since the season began, 42 of which were recorded in August. The Western Cape reported only one fire despite being out of its summer fire season.
Kishugu Aviation’s August 2024 Statistics
One of the WOF-Kishugu JV’s unit, Kishugu Aviation played a crucial role in supporting ground operations from the sky throughout August. From 1-12 August 2024, aerial resources were deployed 72 times, accumulating 130 flying hours. During these missions, a total of 529 drops were made, releasing 809 tons of water over affected areas.
2024 Fire Season Statistics
By 13 August 2024, a total of 1,418 fires had been recorded across the provinces since the year began. This alarming number paints a picture of the severity of this year’s fires, highlighting the critical role of the WOF-Kishugu JV in fire suppression efforts.
Adding to the challenge, this past weekend of 10-11 August 2024 saw a spike in fire activity, with 119 fires recorded in that weekend alone. With the August and September months being the peak months of the Winter Fire Season due to dry and windy conditions, numbers are expected to rise.
Impact of Climate Change on Wildland Fires
The WOF-Kishugu JV recognises climate change as a significant factor in the frequency and severity of these wildland fires. Rising temperatures, prolonged droughts, and shifting weather patterns are contributing to drier landscapes, which create the ideal conditions for wildland fires to ignite and spread rapidly. The intensity and unpredictability of these fires make fire management more challenging and require more resources, coordination, and collaboration.
Fire Education and Prevention Measures Continue
In addition to its fire suppression operations, the WOF-Kishugu JV continues to share its expertise and skills with the community at large through various components of its Integrated Fire Management Solutions. This includes proactive fire prevention measures designed to reduce the risk of wildland fires and protect vulnerable, fire-prone areas. It is also prioritising fire awareness education, with ground teams conducting informative sessions in communities and schools to equip residents and learners with essential knowledge and practices for fire safety.
The Working on Fire-Joint Venture is committed and is always ready to assist partners and stakeholders in Integrated Fire Management Solutions. Its extensive ground resources include more than 5,000 wildland firefighters from the Working on Fire and Forestry Support Programmes, strategically stationed throughout provinces to respond swiftly to fire calls with a fleet provided by Kishugu Fleet Solutions. These wildland firefighters are recruited from disadvantaged communities and are equipped with specialised wildland firefighting skills at the Kishugu Training Academy. Kishugu Aviation’s fleet of aircraft provides crucial aerial firefighting support to these frontline heroes.
Wildland Fire Safety Tips for the Public
To help protect your home and community from wildfires, consider the following safety tips:
1. Create Defensible Space – Clear vegetation and combustible materials from around your home, leaving a defensible space of at least 30 metres (100 feet) to reduce the risk of fires spreading to your property.
2. Clear Gutters and Roofs – Regularly remove leaves, pine needles, and other debris from gutters and roofs to prevent them from catching fire from embers.
3. Prepare an Emergency Kit – Have an emergency kit ready with essential items, including water, food, medications, important documents, and a first aid kit. Ensure all family members know the location of the kit and how to use it.
4. Create a Family Evacuation Plan – Develop and practice a wildland fire evacuation plan with your family. Know multiple evacuation routes and establish a meeting point in case you become separated.
5. Stay Informed – Pay attention to local fire alerts, weather conditions, and evacuation orders. Sign up for emergency notifications in your area to stay informed about fire activity.
6. Report Suspicious Activity – If you see smoke or fire, report it immediately to local fire authorities and Fire Protection Associations.
7. Join a Fire Protection Association in your region/area.