Media Release: GRDM facilitates Basic Veldfire Training conducted at Gourikwa Nature Reserve
For immediate release 21 February 2025
The Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Fire Services was formally requested by the management of the Gourikwa Nature Reserve in Gouritsmond to present basic veldfire training to their personnel. The training was conducted on Tuesday, 18 February 2025, in collaboration with the Southern Cape Fire Protection Association (SCFPA), an Association frequently involved in GRDM’s responses to wildfires and a key stakeholder for the municipality.
Staff from the Gourikwa Nature Reserve welcomed the training conducted by Garden Route District Municipality in collaboration with the South Cape Fire Protection Association.
“We are committed to working together with key stakeholders, such as the SCFPA, to ensure that our communities are well-prepared to handle the threat of veld fires,” said Mayor Andrew Stroebel. Stroebel added: “The training at the Gourikwa Nature Reserve is but one of many steps in equipping local personnel with the necessary skills and knowledge to respond effectively and safely to fire incidents”.
The training that was facilitated by officers from GRDM aimed to equip the staff and Nature Conservation students with the necessary knowledge and skills to respond effectively to the breakout of veld fires on their property.
The Basic Veldfire training focused on key elements such as the fundamentals of veldfires, fire behaviour and associated risks.
The session focused on key elements such as the fundamentals of veldfires, fire behaviour and associated risks.
In addition, the following topics were further unpacked:
– proper procedures for detecting and reporting veld and wildfires.
– basic wildfire suppression techniques and safety protocols during such.
– How on-site personnel can support, the Fire & Rescue Services during an active fire incident.
The session was led by GRDM Station Commander, Heinrich Leslie, and Senior Firefighter, Luciano James. Participants actively engaged in discussions, asked insightful questions, and took part in practical exercises designed to simulate real-life fire scenarios.
The training will be re-enforced when a burn permit is obtained for a pre-scribed fire later in the year.
If you would like to request similar training for a community, including but not limited to farm workers who are often faced by wildfires, kindly contact the GRDM Fire Chief, Deon Stoffels on 083 941 1994.
Feature Image: Teams from the Garden Route District Municipality’s Fire Services and the Southern Cape Fire Protection Association (SCFPA), during the basic veldfire training presented to personnel of the Gourikwa Nature Reserve in Gouritsmond.
Media Release: GRDM and stakeholders roll out a Recognition of Prior LearningOccupational Firefighting Certificate
For immediate release 21 February 2025
The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) is pleased to announce the commencement of the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Occupational Firefighting Certificate Programme. “This initiative reflects GRDM’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the skills and expertise of firefighters in the region,” said Ald. Nompumelelo Sumeia Ndayi, MMC for Corporate Services.
Information sessions with candidates from the Heidelberg and Riversdale regarding the RPL Programme.
The Occupational Certificate: Firefighting, is a national qualification that equips firefighters with the necessary skills and knowledge to respond to emergency situations. Being designed to recognise the prior learning and experience of firefighters, it will allow them to obtain the Occupational Certificate without undergoing the full training program.
The RPL programme offers several benefits to firefighters, including enhanced career prospects as it is a recognised qualification that can enhance career prospects and opportunities for advancement. It will furthermore provide firefighters with recognition of their prior learning and experience, boosting their confidence and self-esteem.
The RPL programme will be implemented in partnership with the Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority (LGSETA) and other stakeholders, including Hessequa Municipality, Kannaland Municipality, Bitou Municipality, Central Karoo District Municipality, Prins Albert Municipality, and Beaufort West Municipality. The rollout will occur in phases, with Phase 2 focusing on Candidate Self-Evaluation and the Formative Assessment Agreement.
Mayor Andrew Stroebel also added that the GRDM is committed to providing opportunities in the field of firefighting and providing necessary skills and knowledge to respond to emergency situations. “This RPL programme is an important process, aiming to improve their career prospects, by formally recognising their skills, knowledge and experience.”
Feature Image: Chief Fire Officer, Deon Stoffels (2nd from left), addressing the candidates from Hessequa during the information session.
Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality Assists Vulnerable Communities in Disaster Recovery Efforts
12 February 2025
The Emergency Call Centre, a crucial component of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Disaster Management Centre (DMC), handles approximately 25,000 emergency calls per month. However, disaster management extends far beyond immediate incident response—it encompasses four key pillars:
Mitigation
Preparedness
Response
Recovery
Disaster management also includes planning and development, ensuring a proactive approach to both natural and human-made disasters. Beyond coordinating responses during major incidents, the DMC continuously works to enhance the district’s resilience against disaster risks.
DISASTER REHABILITATION AND RECONSTRUCTION EFFORTS
The GRDM DMC is responsible for facilitating local disaster declarations and motivating funding requests from both provincial and national governments for disaster rehabilitation and reconstruction.
Currently, GRDM DMC is overseeing the implementation of several disaster rehabilitation projects, including:
2021/22 Flood Disaster Grants:
George: R237.5 million
Oudtshoorn: R26.6 million
2023 Storm Surge Disaster Grants:
Knysna: R2.6 million
Hessequa: R5.18 million
June 2024 Floods:
A disaster grant request of R115 million has been submitted to the National Disaster Management Centre and National Treasury and is currently pending approval.
RELIEF TO COMMUNITIES IN NEED
GRDM DMC plays a crucial role in ensuring that disaster-affected communities receive urgent assistance.
Emergency Water Relief – Gamka West (Calitzdorp) | 26 January 2024
After residents of Gamka West, who rely on the Klein Karoo Rural Water Supply Scheme, were left without water for over four days, GRDM DMC dispatched a water tanker from the Ladismith Fire Base to deliver several loads of water to affected families.
GRDM Firefighters recently assisted families after they were left without water from the Klein Karoo Rural Water Supply Scheme for four days.
Storm Damage Relief – Volmoed (Oudtshoorn) | 29 January 2024
Following heavy rain and gale-force winds, 32 households in Volmoed, outside Oudtshoorn, were left destitute. Responding to a request from the GRDM Deputy Mayor, GRDM DMC provided:
52 blankets to the Oudtshoorn Municipality for evacuated residents housed in a local church hall.
The Oudtshoorn Municipality also distributed 32 mattresses and 32 starter kits to affected families.
GRDM DMC facilitated additional support from the Gift of the Givers, who provided food relief to affected individuals the following day.
A property in Volmoed that was severely damaged after rain and gale-force winds.
STRENGTHENING WATER AND SANITATION SECURITY
Recognising the importance of water security, GRDM DMC is spearheading the development of a District Water and Sanitation Master Plan. This initiative focuses on identifying and implementing bulk water and sanitation projects across municipal boundaries to enhance water security for all residents in the district.
The GRDM is assisted by the Western Cape Economic Development Partnership (WCEDP) to develop this Master Plan. The assistance of the company Partners in Performance (PiP) was subsequently obtained to develop this District Water and Sanitation Master Plan. At this point in time most of the technical information required, have been obtained from the current Water Services Authorities in the District. PiP is currently busy analysing this data.
The GRDM is working towards having a first draft available by the end of March this year.
DISASTER RISK REDUCTION
The DMC also assists local municipalities in developing Disaster Risk Reduction Plans (DRR) ensuring alignment with local risk assessments.
It is important to remember that DRR should always be a holistic multi‐hazard/threat and multi‐stakeholder approach, and it should be mainstreamed into development projects to increase the resilience of the built environment.
DRR must be considered and where relevant implemented at the earliest appropriate stage of the design and planning process rather than added onto a project as an after‐thought. It is important to build back better, especially when opportunities arise in the aftermath of a disaster. Professional institutions can play a very positive role in educating students and members about their roles in disaster risk reduction.
DRR Plans vary for each local municipal area with the focus on addressing the following priority disaster risks in the District, namely flooding, fires – especially wildland fires, drought, coastal as well as river erosion, transportation incidents including Hazmat incidents as well as human and animal diseases .
Some of these plans include the following:
Flood hazard mapping linked to the Spatial Development Framework of each Local Municipality.
Emergency breaching of estuaries protocol and the pro-active management of low-lying flood prone areas.
Eradication of invasive alien plants.
Protection of riverbanks – especially in the Duiwenhoks River.
Establishment of integrated fire management protocols.
Public awareness campaigns.
District Safety Forum as well as establishment of Local safety Forums.
Building back better as an integral part of post disaster rehabilitation and reconstruction projects.
When these plans are updated, they form part of spatial development frameworks. This ensures that that emerging disaster risks are factored into planning of town infrastructure.
Feature image: GRDM Firefighters recently assisted families after they were left without water from the Klein Karoo Rural Water Supply Scheme for four days.
Media Release: The 2017 Knysna Fires vs. 2025 California Wildfires
6 February 2025
Wildfires have long posed a major threat to communities worldwide. Two (2) of the most deadly fires in recent history occurred in vastly different regions: the Knysna and Bitou Wildfires in South Africa (2017). Now also abroad – the most recent California wildfires (2025). Despite geographical differences, both events share alarming similarities in their causes, impacts, and lessons for the future.
Weather and Climatic Conditions
On 7 January 2025, Santa Ana winds exceeding 161km/h drove wildfires in California, including the Palisades and Eaton Fires. As a result of severe drought conditions, this situation was even worse. As a result of low humidity and strong winds, fire spread across Los Angeles. A gale-force north-westerly Berg Wind reaching 120 km/h fueled the Knysna fires on 7 June 2017.
A prolonged drought had left vegetation dry, exacerbating fire intensity. The fires consumed 19,000 hectares of plantations and indigenous forest and led to widespread destruction in Knysna and Plettenberg Bay.
Palisades Fire – Los Angelas County 2025
Knysna Fires – 2017 Photo credit: Edward Stander
Warnings and Preparedness
Both regions received early weather warnings. In California, the National Weather Service issued Red Flag Warnings days before the fires, highlighting extreme fire risk. Despite these warnings, the wildfires overwhelmed emergency responses.
In the Western Cape, the South African Weather Service warned of a major storm expected on 6 June, prompting school closures and disaster management activation. The strong winds fuelled the fires instead of bringing anticipated rain.
Emergency Response
California mobilised extensive resources, including 7 500 emergency personnel, 65 fire engines, and military support. Private firefighters were also deployed to protect high-value properties.
In Knysna, firefighting efforts included nearly 1 200 firefighters from various Municipalities, the City of Cape Town, local forestry companies, private firefighters, and Working on Fire (WOF) crews, as well as aerial water bombers Working on Fire, the South African National Defence Force, and Savanah Helicopters. Emergency operations were coordinated through a Joint Operating Centre in Knysna, as well as Multi Agency Coordinating Centre at the Western Cape Provincial Disaster Management Centre. Despite efforts, the fire spread uncontrollably, forcing thousands to evacuate, this being the only safe option at the time.
Destruction and Loss
The 2025 California wildfires burned nearly 40,000 acres, destroyed 16,255 structures, and claimed at least 29 lives. The fires forced more than 100,000 people to evacuate, making them some of the most devastating in the state’s history. The economic loss for the USA is about one trillion sixty-nine billion eight hundred fifty-five million Rands.
The Knysna Fires left seven dead, burned 16,000 hectares, and displaced 10,000 people. More than 900 structures were either damaged or destroyed, with economic losses estimated at four and a half billion rands.
Environmental and Urban Planning Factors
Fuel loads played a significant role in both disasters. In Knysna, invasive alien vegetation, such as black wattle and pine plantations, contributed to extreme fire intensity. Studies confirm that fuel loads in plantations and invaded areas were significantly higher than in natural fynbos. Some natural fynbos were encroached with alien invasive species.
Similarly, in California, a build-up of dry vegetation due to prolonged drought and extreme wind, created conditions primed for wildfires. Invasive plants such as Harding grass and yellow star thistle further exacerbated fire spread.
Post-Fire Consequences
Following both disasters, heavy rains triggered mudslides and flash floods, exacerbating further negative impacts. In Knysna, five months after the fires, burned mountain slopes contributed to severe mudslides. In California, post-fire rains led to toxic ash runoff and landslides, further endangering residents.
Lessons Learned
Both wildfires highlight the need for proactive fire management and climate adaptation strategies. Key takeaways include:
Fuel Load Reduction: Managing invasive vegetation and reducing combustible materials through controlled burns and firebreaks, and other innovative measures can mitigate risks.
Urban Planning: Fire-resistant landscaping, strategic buffer zones, and defensible spaces are crucial for minimizing damage.
Preparedness & Early Response: Investing in predictive modelling, community awareness, and emergency planning is essential for minimizing losses.
Climate Change Action: Both disasters underscore the impact of rising temperatures and prolonged droughts on wildfire intensity, emphasizing the urgency for global climate mitigation strategies.
The Knysna/Bitou and California wildfires serve as stark reminders of the evolving wildfire threat. As climate change accelerates, regions must adopt proactive fire management, enforce strict land-use policies, and enhance emergency preparedness to prevent future catastrophes.
Media Release: GRDM Fire & Rescue Services had a Busy Fire Season So Far
10 January 2025
GARDEN ROUTE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY HOLIDAY FIRE SEASON: 01 December 2024 to 05 January 2025
It has been an exceptionally demanding holiday season for the Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Fire & Rescue Service, as the summer sun intensified, and the annual wild-and-veld fire season commenced on 01 December and officially ends on 30 April.
Fires in the Garden Route district, renowned for their picturesque landscapes, often threaten the environment as well as residents and infrastructural safety. The GRDM team responded to a total of 17 fire emergency incidents across the district, with the majority involving vegetation fires in areas such as Melkhoutfontein and Jongensfontein near Still Bay, Korinterivier in Riversdale, the Swartberg Mountains in Oudtshoorn, and Kammanassie and Buffelsdrif Mountains in the northern parts of George.
Through coordinated efforts, including rapid response, public awareness campaigns, and partnerships with local communities, farmer organisations and other fire management agencies, the team continues to mitigate risks and manage the impacts of these fires.
A few pictures captured during the recent wildfire operations in Hessequa and Oudtshoorn.
From 6 December 2024 to 5 January 2025, the GRDM Fire and Rescue Services, were inundated with veld and mountain fire incidents, better known as wildfires.
A total of 17 veld and mountain fire incidents were attended to, with eight (8) of these fires escalating to extended wildfires, with the Jongensfontein, Hessequa wildfire extending to 14 days, the Melkhoutfontein Fire extending to 18 days, including several ‘flare-ups’, the Swartberg Mountain Fires extending to 15 days, and the Kammanassie and Buffelsdrif Mountain wildfires extending over 5 days respectively.
Additionally, the GRDM substation in Ladismith responded to seven (7) veld fires, including a dump site fire.
The wildfires in the Hessequa Municipal area were extremely challenging, due to the type of terrain, access limitations, including the very difficult to manoeuvre coastal dunes, and excessively overgrown and old vegetation type, including Acacia Cyclops (the famous Rooikrans and / or Rooiputjie), as well as Fynbos, including the Metalasia muricata (Blombos) vegetation types.
The Swarberg Mountains presented very challenging terrain, for both vehicles and ground teams, especially due to the rugged and steepness of the terrain, exacerbated by various hills, gorges and valleys. This necessitated trooping in ground crews, a total of 54 trooped in at one stage, to ensure more effective firefighting operations, walking up these mountains were timeous and straining.
A total of 23 Municipal firefighters, including GRDM and Hessequa Municipality, as well as 08 Garden Route Volunteer Fire Members, with 4 bakkie units, and daily, either a three (3) or four (4) team response from the Working on Fire Program, consisting of average 20 members mitigated the Hessequa Fires on peak days. Additionally, local farmers assisted with a bulldozer, and tractors. The Hessequa Municipality assisted with JCBs and a bulldozer, mainly constructing fuel and fire breaks, either in attempts to stop fire spread or preparing counter burn breaks.
WOF firefighters enjoying a well-deserved lunch, generously sponsored by Alison Bryant.
WOF firefighters enjoying a well-deserved lunch, generously sponsored by Alison Bryant.
Mayor Andrew Stroebel visited the Oudtshoorn Municipal area, commending firefighters who have been tirelessly working around the clock to protect lives and infrastructure.
One of GRDM’s dedicated firefighters hard at work during mopping-up operations.
For the Swartberg and Kammanassie mountain fires, CapeNature provided additional ground teams to assist with groundwork, having several ‘stick’ teams, ranging between 08 – 12 members, and ranging between 2 and 4 teams.
Calculated burnscars for some of the largest fires to date include,
Swartberg Mountain (Oudtshoorn): 15 251 hectares
Melkhoutfontein (Hessequa): 1346 hectares
Jongensfontein (Hessequa): 300 hectares
Korinterivier (Hessequa): 562 hectares
Kammanassie (George): 437 hectares
Buffelsdrift (George): 700 hectares
Herbertsdale (Mossel Bay): 30 hectares
A total of 48 aerial firefighting hours were utilised to date, including a combination of resources, i.e. bomber planes, spotter planes and helicopter.
Despite rapid initial attacks through the activation of aerial firefighting resources, early and precise detection of fires remains an area requiring continuous improvement. Several simultaneous lightning strikes, often occurring just before sundown, present significant challenges. These incidents limit the immediate activation of aerial firefighting resources and frequently result in fires intensifying during hot and humid evenings. This necessitates the strategic deployment of aerial resources in the days that follow. Addressing these challenges will require innovative measures and strategies moving forward.
Firebreak compliance and the prevalence of excessive alien invasive plants (essentially accumulative fuel loads that drive wildfires), remain significant challenges. However, efforts are underway to strengthen compliance measures in the future. Counter-burning (fighting fire with fire) emerged as a key and strategic firefighting tactic, particularly for managing coastal fires. Ultimately, this approach proved highly effective and will continue to be a preferred tactic in future firefighting efforts.
The deployment of firefighters on the ground, alongside aerial suppression, is a vital reinforcement given the combination of challenging topography, limited access, and high fuel loads. Heli-tack crews (firefighters who are part of helicopter-based initial attack teams) are a highly desirable solution for rapidly suppressing fires in their incipient stages, particularly in difficult-to-access terrain.
A coordinated and collaborative response approach remain the most ideal manner in combatting wildfires, and major incidents, which include landowners, local authorities, including local (structure protection) and the district municipalities, Working on Fire, the Fire Protection Association and trained disaster management and firefighting volunteer groups.
As mentioned before, the December holiday period proved extremely challenging due to multiple wildfires. However, resources were coordinated effectively, allowing us to address all the reported incidents. Notably, the success achieved during this period includes the preservation of lives—no lives were lost—and the protection of property, with no structures destroyed.
It is highly recommended that landowners, on whose land these fires occurred, innovatively utilise these burned areas for sound environmental rehabilitation and management of especially alien invasive plant species and constructing of fire breaks.
To report wildfires, call 044 805 5071 or WhatsApp 081 709 5193.
Swartberg Mountains wildfire on 30 December 2024.
A picture captured during the Kammanassie Wildfire on 27 December 2024.
Swartberg Mountains wildfire on 30 December 2024.
A picture captured during the Kammanassie Wildfire on 27 December 2024.
Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality completes final phase of the installation of Smoke Detection Devices in Rheenendal
For immediate release 11 November 2024
The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), in partnership with the Knysna Municipality, today (11 November 2024) completed the installation of over 60 smoke detectors in homes within the Rheenendal community near Knysna. This marks the final phase of the project to install almost 500 smoke detectors in the area.
The detectors were installed by firefighters with councillors fulfilling an oversight role. Firefighters, while installing the devices, also educated home-owners about the use of the devices.
The team of firefighters ready to install the smoke detectors at dwellings situated in the Rheenendal area.
Smoke detectors, or smoke alarms, are devices designed to sense smoke and emit an audible or visual alert to warn of a fire.
Today’s installations covered the following areas within Rheenendal:
Monkey Valley (9 homes)
Soccer Valley (9 homes)
Lapland (18 homes)
Pine Valley (3 homes)
Busy Corner (5 homes)
Uitsig Section 5 (2 homes)
Uitsig Sections 1, 2, 3, and Honey Valley (15 homes combined)
Hou my nat (2 homes)
The project has been supported by Cllr Hoogbaard, the Portfolio Chairperson for Community Services at GRDM, Cllr Hilton Stroebel, Knysna and GRDM Councillor, Deon Stoffels, GRDM’s Chief Fire Officer, Marthina Tieties, Community Facilitator from Asivikelane representing the Rheenendal community, as well as GRDM firefighters and officials who all formed part of the installations.
During his address as part of the formal programme, Cllr Hoogbaard said: “The installation of smoke alarms in informal dwellings is a critical step towards preventing fire-related tragedies and promoting a culture of fire safety. This project aligns perfectly with our municipality’s goals of providing a safe and healthy environment for all”.
Hoogbaard further commended the project’s organisers for their proactive approach to addressing this pressing need. “The partnership between GRDM, Knysna Municipality, the Provincial Government, as well as the community, demonstrates our collective commitment to improving the quality of life for our most vulnerable residents,” he added.
The project’s objectives include:
Reducing fire-related deaths, injuries, and property damage;
Educating residents on the importance of smoke alarm installation and maintenance;
Assisting residents in developing and practicing home fire escape plans;
Helping municipalities comply with legislative requirements under the Municipal Structures Act, Disaster Management Act, and Fire Brigade Services Act;
Enhancing relations between the community and local fire departments.
Smoke detectors installed at various dwellings within the Rheenendal area.
Early detection of home fires is crucial for reducing fatalities and injuries. Fires can smoulder before igniting into flames, often releasing toxic gases that cause suffocation – the main cause of fire-related deaths. Smoke can disorient or incapacitate people quickly, especially during sleep, as studies show that the smell of smoke does not wake people. Detecting a fire early, while it is still smouldering, allows time for safe evacuation, and reduces the risk of suffocation.
GRDM therefore remains dedicated to enhancing fire safety for communities within the Garden Route.
Message From GRDM Chief Fire Officer: TFA-SA competition drawn to a close
For immediate release 30 September 2024
Whilst the Toughest Firefighter Alive South Africa (TFA-SA) Competition has drawn to a close, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Fire & Rescue Services would like to close out this year’s journey by extending our GRATITUDE to fellow colleagues, the municipality, managers, and most importantly, family and friends, as well as sponsors and volunteers, whom not only assisted at the event, but also our firefighters.
You have jumped into this with the firefighters and adjusted your schedules, your weekend, and SCREAMED and JUMPED with equal passion and fire, as those who battled on the course.
We heard you, we’ve seen your excitement, the smiles, the special dress-ups and even the help with taking off the the kits, and equipment after each stage, to bring some fresh and cool energy to the competitors.
We have seen the support and and messages of encouragement on social media, leading up to the event and we felt all of it over the weekend.
Thank you for being the Heros off the pitch – it certainly pushed us all to give our very best and achieving the results we did over this weekend.
* Personal Bests
* Finishing the course
* First Time Participation
* Improvement
* Medals
* New Supporters
* Future firefighters.
TEAM, the camaraderie, expertise, and teamwork were invaluable. Together, we pushed boundaries and achieved greatness.
Thank you for the exceptional weekend and may this strengthen us even further.
Media Release: Millions Invested in Garden Route District Municipality’s Fire and Disaster Management Response Units by Western Cape Government
25 September 2024
Grant funding for capacity building to date has surpassed R15 million, provided by the Western Cape Provincial Government (WCG) Department of Local Government (DLG), Directorate Fire & Rescue and Disaster Management’s Fire Services, to the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM).
Fire Chief Deon Stoffels commented on the significance of the funding: “The purpose of the capacity building ensures that the GRDM’s emergency capacity, mobilization, response, and mitigation systems are of a standard that meets the region’s risks. This also ensures that the GRDM at a Local Government level builds enough capacity to assist with fire and disaster management responses across the region at local municipalities.”
Key projects to date, backed by Provincial funding, include:
Assistance of R3 million for the Regional Fire Station that was official unveiled on 2 February 2024;
In June 2024, a hook lift truck for flood and related response was delivered to the cost of R 2,5 million;
A fully equipped firefighting light duty vehicle to the value of R 981 000;
A mobile hazmat response unit to the value of R 500 000;
Ongoing roll-out of smoke detectors and the past year contribution were to the value of R 500 000;
A water delivery tanker was acquired, to the cost of R 1,2 million.
All the above projects have been concluded within the 2023/2024 financial year.
For the current and next financial year, further assistance in terms of grant funding is for an amount of R 7,2 million. This includes funding of R5 million to build a flood response unit, with various containerised equipment caches, including a hovercraft, an overhead housing facility. In addition, R 1 million will be made available for hazardous material equipment, mobile units. Lastly, one more water delivery truck worth R 1,2 million will be acquired to assist areas that are affected by water services issues.
These projects are implemented in line with relevant supply chain management procedures, and the recent handover marks the final step in meeting the objectives outlined in the various Business Plans and Transfer Payment Agreements.
Official Handover Ceremony held on 25 September 2024 at the GRDM Regional Fire Station
Deputy Director at WCG Fire Services said the Water Response Project is the first of its kind in the Western Cape, and we are proud to see its rollout along the Garden Route.
GRDM Municipal Manager, Mone Stratu, during his address said that with the growing impact of climate change, we are witnessing an alarming rise in disaster-related incidents, from floods to fires. This has driven an urgent need for more response units to protect our communities.
During the official handing over ceremony, the GRDM invited a Ettienne du Toit, the Western Cape Provincial Government Deputy Director for Fire Services to a handover ceremony of the assets the GRDM procured.
GRDM Municipal Manager Monde Stratu, during the ceremony, said: “It is only recently, due to climate change, that there has been an increased push for more response units. There has been an increase in disaster-related incidents . We see this every year as we face floods and fires. Stratu said that the GRDM Council appreciates the WCG efforts in providing the district with critical resources. “With our current budget constraints, we simply do not have the capacity to acquire these assets on our own, so your assistance is invaluable.”
The Municipal Manager also said the demand for the GRDM to assist local municipalities continues to grow – “being a fire-prone district, we need all the help we can get.”
“Thank you, Western Cape Government, for these life-saving contributions,” he concluded.
The mobile hazmat response unit contains several items that will make the GRDM’s response to various incidents more efficient.
A proud moment for Monde Stratu and Ettienne du Toit as they also present the smoke detectors that have been rolled out for more than a year along the region. They are standing in front of a firefighting light duty vehicle that was also paid for by Western Cape Government.
Fire Chief Deon Stoffels with Ettienne du Toit and Wouter Jacobs in front of the water delivery tanker.
Ettienne du Toit and Monde Stratu shakes hands and hands over the keys to the hook lift truck. Wouter Jacobs, GRDM Disaster Management Practitioner is pictured sitting inside the truck.
Ettienne du Toit, Deputy Director of Fire Services in the Western Cape, added:
“For the Western Cape Government, it’s an absolute pleasure to be involved here. We see this as a partnership—we all serve the same communities, and they trust us to help protect them. We must ensure we don’t disappoint them. The Western Cape has already faced eight disasters this calendar year, mostly involving floods, fires, and a significant electricity outage.” According to du Toit, the damage so far in the province is recorded at R9 billion, and the WCG has absorbed these costs.
“We must safeguard our emergency response resources, particularly as the province faces financial challenges that have led to job cuts.
The Water Response Project is the first of its kind in the Western Cape, and we are proud to see its rollout here at the Garden Route district. Given the increasing frequency of floods and fires, this investment is crucial. The water tankers are designed for humanitarian assistance, while the large vehicles aid in lifting containers. The plan is to expand this, not just for water but for hazmat, humanitarian, and chemical incidents.
“There’s a growing need for heavy-duty vehicles, and the goal is to ensure every town in the Western Cape is equipped with a well-resourced hazmat capability. As informal settlements continue to grow, so too does the risk of fire fatalities. For over eight years, we’ve been working to install smoke alarms in these areas, but there’s still much more to be done. It’s encouraging to see the development of the fire station and the fitness of the firefighters, and we look forward to seeing this partnership continue to grow. It is a pleasure to hand over these resources to you,” concluded du Toit.
Media release: GRDM’s Emile Conrad achieved bronze (3rd place) in World Firefighter Games in Denmark
For immediate release
18 September 2024
This month, from 7 to 14 September 2024, Emile Conrad, Senior Firefighter and current South African Toughest Firefighter Alive, competed in the World Firefighter Games in Denmark.
Victorious moments as Emile Conrad, Senior Firefighter at GRDM won 3rd place (a bronze medal) at the World Firefighter Games.
After competing in his age category (40-44),Conrad won the third place, placing him fourteenth overall on the world ranking list of the Toughest Firefighter Alive (TFA)! This is proof of a remarkable achievement. Sharing his experience of the event and his overall performance, he said: “The challenge demanded skill, strength, and endurance to push through against the best competitors in the World in a rapidly growing sport”.
Further describing the stair running event, he said that the event proved to be a thrilling test of cardiovascular fitness. In terms of the Indoor rowing event, “it was another opportunity to hold on through mental and physically tough times,” he added. “By the grace of God and strength, I could improve on my personal best times and achieved oneGold medal in my age category, as well as being placed the third best time overall of 2:57 for the 1000m row”.
Senior Firefighter at GRDM, Emile Conrad, hard at work during the World Firefighter Games in Denmark.
Described being back at home, he said: “It is so great to be back home in South Africa after an exhilarating trip to Denmark, where I had the privilege of representing our country and our Municipality in the World Firefighter Games 2024”. In addition, he described the experience as an unforgettable event, as he pushed his limits in events like the TFA, Indoor Rowing and Stair Running, which tested his physical and mental endurance and all the hard work and preparation. Conrad also mentioned that the camaraderie among fellow firefighters from around the globe left them with invaluable lessons, new friendships, and unforgettable memories. “Denmark’s warm hospitality and vibrant culture made the experience even more enriching,” he highlighted.
GRDM Executive Mayor, Alderman Stroebel, extended words of well wishes to Emile Conrad before he left the country. Mayor Stroebel also encouraged him to bring pride to the district and the nation as a whole.
Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard, Portfolio Chairperson of Community Services responsible for Fire Services, extended his best wishes to Emile Conrad before he left the country to participate in the World Firefighter Games.
In conclusion he said: “I’ve returned home feeling proud of our team South Africa and blessed that God has given me these opportunities to be an ambassador for Christ. Lastly thank-you to each and every one for their support, kind words of encouragement and prayers – God is truly Faithful”.
GRDM Executive Mayor, Cllr Andrew Stroebel, and the Portfolio Chairperson for Community Services, Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard, on behalf of the Council and staff of GRDM, congratulated Emile for his stirling performance at the competition and for bringing home a medal to the people of South Africa, especially to the residents of the Garden Route.
Media Release: Basic Wildland Firefighting Training Facilitated by GRDM and Southern Cape Fire Protection Association
12 September 2024
In collaboration with the Southern Cape Fire Protection Association (SCFPA), the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) this week facilitated a Basic Wildland Firefighting training session for participants from the Fransmanshoek Conservancy. The training also included representatives from the ’Boggomsbaai, Vleesbaai, and Springerbaai’ conservancies, as well as Buffelsfontein and the EPC Farm.
The training initiative aimed to equip local communities and conservancy members with essential firefighting skills to enhance their preparedness and ability to respond effectively to wildland fires. By including representatives from various local communities and conservancies, the training promoted a collaborative approach to managing vegetation and veld fires.
Essential topics covered, includes:
Fire weather and danger index.
Fire behavior and safety precautions.
Detection and notification protocols.
Personal protective clothing and equipment.
Fire environment and risk assessment.
Basic and incipient suppression techniques.
Fuel load management and risk management practices.
Fire prevention activities.
Scope of practice for community first responders
This training will also empower participants with the knowledge and skills to safely manage incipient vegetation and veld fires, reducing the risk of larger fires that could damage properties, infrastructure, and the environment.
Benefits of this training include:
Enhanced firefighting knowledge and skills in the area.
Improved collaboration and coordination among local communities, conservancies, and authorities.
Increased awareness of wildland fire risks and prevention strategies.
Better equipped and trained personnel to handle vegetation fires.
Reduced risk of property damage and environmental impact.
More knowledgeable residents, especially regarding the notification of risks to authorities.
Assisting conservancies with basic firefighting training is important for enhancing quick detection and potential suppression while firefighting authorities are en-route to a fire notification.
To continue providing participants with thorough basic training and reinforcing safety measures for vegetation fires, a second phase of practical training will be added.
Featured Image caption: Fire Chief Deon Stoffels and Station Commander: Operations Heinrich Leslie facilitating the training session.
