South African National Parks has paid tribute to the efforts of the firefighters, partners, and volunteers, who have faced 119 fires in the 2023/24 fire season, particularly within the Table Mountain National Park.
An event to honour firefighters was held earlier this week, and certificates of acknowledgement was handed out.
Table Mountain National Park faced 119 fires between April 2023 and March 2024, compared to 85 fires the previous year.
In April and May 2024 alone saw TMNP respond to 32 fires, including 5 extended attack multi-day fires.
A total of 533 hours of active flying, as well as a total of 6318 liters of water utilized in suppressing multiple fires.
TMNP says approximately 300 firefighters and six pilots worked tirelessly throughout the fire season, navigating difficult conditions to contain and extinguish fires.
Head of Communication JP Louw says the firefighters have demonstrated unparalleled bravery and resilience.
These challenges occur on the back foot of a quarter century of no fatalities within the area. These figures also highlight the dedicated efforts of our firefighting teams who risked their lives to protect both communities and the environment.
Park management has also acknowledged to their partners, dispatchers, management teams, and stakeholders who provided essential support.
Key partners include NCC Environmental Services, Volunteer Wildfire Services, Working on Fire, Kishugu Aviation, and others, whose collaboration was vital in our firefighting efforts.
Sponsors and donors have also been thanked, including the Shoprite Checkers group, Spar, Pick n Pay ASAP, Mustafadin Foundation, Simply Asia, McDonald’s, Butlers Pizza, Nandos, Debonairs Pizza, and the community of Cape Town for their ”ongoing support, ensuring our firefighters were nourished and energized during extended operations.”
“To the brave men and women on the front lines, your courage, dedication, and resilience have not gone unnoticed. You exemplify the spirit of selflessness and sacrifice, and for that, we are deeply grateful.”
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