Introduction
The Volunteer Wildfire Services (VWS) have been combating dangerous and often deadly runaway fires since being baptised through the devastating fires in 1999 and 2000 in Cape Town. With approximately 180 members at three stations (Newlands, Jonkershoek and the newly developing South Peninsula Station), the VWS is now a highly organised Section 21 Company that is gaining in reputation every year passing. The VWS has assisted the Table Mountain National Park and CapeNature as a first responder with some of the wildest fires Cape Town has ever experienced. Working closely with other emergency service organisations in wild-land fire management such as Table Mountain National Park, CapeNature, Cape Town Fire & Emergency Services, Disaster Management, Winelands Fire Brigade, Stellenbosch Fire Brigade, the South African Navy and Working on Fire has meant that the Volunteer Wildfire Services has, to date, achieved 38,666 active fire fighting hours between it’s members and stations. The VWS will, with your support, continue with the goal of saving South Africa’s natural heritage, property and lives. To support us Click here
What We Do
The VWS has three primary functions: Wildfire suppression services Education and awareness programmes Wildfire suppression and management training These primary functions form part of our Integrated Wildfire Management services which include: Prescribed burning Education programmes and projects at schools Community projects
How We Operate
On standby to respond to fires and emergencies 24 hours a day for 365 days of the year – that’s how we work.
Our volunteers are just that – volunteers. They are extraordinary people who give of their time and energy to protect lives, property and our natural heritage. Most have day jobs, some are students, others run their own companies – but all are dedicated, motivated and highly-trained to ensure that our ultimate goal of wildfire suppression is taken care of.
Departments
There are various departments within the Volunteer Wildfire Services that operate dependently to ensure the smooth running of our unit. These departments include:
Fire Fighters
Drivers
Control Room
Planning and Mobile Command
Logistics and Catering
Technical and Mechanical Services
Administration and Member Services
Funding
As a completely Non Profit Organisation the VWS remains operational by receiving funding from corporate and organisational partners as well as individual donors. We also initiate our own fundraising projects, like the popular Trail Challenge, the Awareness Day at our Jonkershoek Base and Open Day at our Newlands Base. This vital funding allows us to continue to manage ourselves independently.
We are always on the lookout for additional funding that will allow us to further serve the community.
www.vws.org.za