21 September 2026 Media Release: Firefighters Conduct Wildfire Basic Training in Heidelberg
Media Release: Firefighters Conduct Wildfire Basic Training in Heidelberg
21 September 2026
Recently, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Fire and Rescue Services conducted basic wildfire training in Heidelberg at the request of the Southern Cape Fire Protection Association (SCFPA). The training was aimed at farm communities and other stakeholders in the surrounding areas, helping participants gain basic knowledge and skills to prevent and respond to wildfires.
The training focused on essential wildfire knowledge and preparedness, including:
• Wildfire behaviour and fire dynamics
• Wildfire prevention
• Safety precautions and personal safety
• Understanding the Fire Triangle
• Identifying escape routes and safety zones
• Fire extinguisher awareness and practical training
• Basic Incident Command System (ICS) principles
The session was very well received, with participants actively engaging throughout the training and showing a strong willingness to learn and improve their understanding of wildfire safety and preparedness.
“Effective wildfire management starts with knowledge, preparation and cooperation. By equipping communities and stakeholders with the right knowledge and skills, we strengthen our collective ability to prevent, prepare for and respond to wildfires,” said Heinrich Lesley, GRDM Fire Station Commander.
Click below to download the presentation.
Featured Image Caption: Farm communities and local stakeholders who gained basic knowledge and practical skills to help prevent and respond to wildfires.
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