The government-funded initiative's Free State spokesperson, Wayne Mokhethi, confirms many of their firefighters have, during level 5 and level 4 of the national lockdown, continued to exercise remotely at home to ensure that when the winter fire season commences, they would be prepared. 

The programme with fully trained veld and forest firefighters, confirms that its members are finalising their preparations for the winter season and once they have completed their yellow card training camps, they will be certified fit and ready to serve in their respective towns and cities. 

Mokheti has further announced that Working on Fire is abiding by the lockdown regulations and ensuring that all its firefighters adhere to the social distancing and wearing of masks regulations, amongst other precautionary measures.

The programme's Free State General Manager, Antoinette Jini, has added that "as an essential services provider, Working on Fire has implemented all the guidelines and health and safety protocols as advised by the Department of Health to ensure that our firefighters return to work safely". 

Meanwhile, Mokhethi has encouraged all members of the society to report any veld fires and urged landowners to get into contact with them in order to assist with the development of clear integrated fire management services.

OFM News