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.
Media Release: Emile Conrad, Senior Firefighter at Garden Route District Municipality Set to Attend and Participate in the World Firefighter Games
4 September 2024
Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) is proud to announce that Emile Conrad, a Senior Firefighter, will be representing South Africa at the prestigious World Firefighter Games, set to take place in Aalborg, Denmark, from 7 – 14 September 2024.
The World Firefighter Games, a bi-annual event, brings together firefighters from around the globe to compete in a variety of sports and foster a spirit of camaraderie. This year, approximately 3,000 firefighters are expected to attend the event in Denmark, where they will participate in 40 different sports. The Games, which began in 1990 in Auckland, New Zealand, were most recently held in Lisbon, Portugal, in 2022. Aalborg, Denmark, aims to create an unforgettable experience with a focus on sport, community, and unique cultural exchanges.
Cllr Jobiet Hoogbaard, Portfolio Chairperson of Community Services under which the GRDM Fire Services reside, extends his best wishes to Emile Conrad, encouraging him to do his best, represent South Africa and the Garden Route District, and above all, enjoy himself at the World Firefighter Games.
Among the many competitions, the “Toughest Firefighter Alive” (TFA) event stands out as the pinnacle of the World Firefighter Games, renowned for being the most challenging firefighting competition globally.
Emile Conrad secured his place on the South African team after winning last year’s South African National TFA in Mossel Bay. At the previous World Firefighter Games in Lisbon, Portugal, in 2022, Conrad impressively ranked 10th overall and secured 2nd place in his age category (38-40). This year, Emile aims to surpass his previous achievements while continuing to promote fitness and conditioning within the firefighting community. Emile is scheduled to depart from George today, 4 September 2024 and return on 17 September 2024.
GRDM Council and Management extend their best wishes to Emile Conrad as he represents the Garden Route District Municipality and South Africa at the World Firefighter Games. May his strength, determination, and commitment guide him through this challenging and demanding event!
Featured image caption: GRDM Executive Mayor Alderman Stroebel wishing Emile Conrad well for the upcoming World Firefighter Games competition in Denmark, encouraging him to bring pride to the district and the nation.
Public Notice: Notice of Public Participation for the GRDM Fire Safety By-Law relating to Veld, Mountain, and Chemical Fires
Open for Comment
The Garden Route District Municipality envisages to enact a Fire Safety By-Law, relating to Veld, Mountain, and Chemical Fires.
In terms of Section 156 (2) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, Act No. 108 of 1996, the Municipal Systems Act, No. 32 of 2000, and Section 16 of the Fire Brigade Services Act, 99 of 1987 the Garden Route District Municipality makes this bylaw for the effective administration of matters that it has the right to administer in terms of the Municipal Structures Act, 84 (1)(j)(ii), i.e. the National Veld and Forest Fire Amendment Act, 2023, the Hazardous Substances Act, No 15 of 1973, and the Occupational Health and Safety Act, No 85 of 1993. As per the provisions of Sections 12 and 13 as well as sections 21 and 21A of the Municipal Systems Act, 32 of 2000, Garden Route District Municipality publish this by-law for public comment and input, prior to it being gazetted.
Notice is hereby given that the Draft Garden Route District Municipality Fire Safety By-Law relating to Veld, Mountain, and Chemical Fires will be available for public comment and input from 23 August 2024 to 23 September 2024.
The draft Garden Route District Municipality Fire Safety By-Law will be available for viewing at the following Places:
Garden Route District Municipality, 54 York Street, George.
Garden Route District Municipality Fire Station, Opal Close, Tamsui Industria.
George Municipality, York Street, 71 York Street.
George Municipality, Fire Station 124 Mitchell Street.
Mossel Bay Municipality Head Office, 101 Marsh Street.
Mossel Bay Municipality Fire Station, Heiderand.
Knysna Municipality Head Office, 05 Clyde Street.
Knysna Municipality Fire Station, Waterfront Drive, Knysna Central.
Buffelsnek Public Library, 6 Protea Street, Buffelsnek, Knysna.
Uniondale Post Office, 48 Voortrekker Street.
Bitou Municipality Head Office, 04 Sewell Street.
Bitou Municipality Fire Station, 06 Flying Cloud Drive.
Hessequa Municipality Head Office, Civic Centre Van den Berg Street.
Garden Route District Municipality Sub Fire Station, 35 Mulder Street, Riversdale.
Kannaland Municipality Head Office, 32 Church Street.
Garden Route District Municipality Sub Fire Station, 54 Van Riebeek Street.
Oudtshoorn Municipality Head Office, 69 Cnr. CJ Langenhoven Street & Voortrekker Road.
Oudtshoorn Municipality Fire Station, 28 Church Street.
Heidelberg Post Office, 50 Van Riebeek Street.
Garden Route District Municipality website.
The District Municipality hereby invites comments from interested and affected parties on the draft Garden Route District Municipality Fire Safety By-Law. Any comments and input submitted will be considered during the finalization of the draft document for final approval and Gazetting.
Written submissions may be directed to the Municipal Manager using the following address: Garden Route District Municipality, Municipal Manager,
Mr Monde Stratu,
54 York Street, George /or Private Bag 12,
George,
6530
/or via email to:
info@gardenroute.gov.za on or before 23 September 2024.
Any person who is unable to write can submit their input verbally to the Council’s offices where they will be assisted by a staff member to put their comments in writing. Enquiries can be directed to Mr Deon Stoffels at 044 878 1000/083941 1994 or e-mail deon@gardenroute.gov.za.
Click here to download the Government Gazette Notice Click here to download the Bylaw
M G Stratu
MUNICIPAL MANAGER
GARDEN ROUTE DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY
Media Release: GRDM’s Fire & Rescue Services completes the first ever External Integrated Summative Assessment for Firefighting in South Africa
For immediate release 26 August 2024
Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) and Fire & Rescue Services through the municipality’s Garden Route Skills Mecca (GRSM) programme on 22 August 2024, completed their first ever External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA) for Firefighting in South Africa.
Learners undertaking their final assessment as part of the External Integrated Summative Assessment.
The Assessment was performed in collaboration with the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) and the Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority (LGSETA). The EISA were conducted at the Municipality’s Calitzdorp Hot Springs, which is also accredited by the QCTO as a Training Assessment Centre.
Deon Stoffels, Chief Fire Officer at GRDM Fire and Rescue Services said: “The External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA) is the final assessment managed and conducted by the Quality Partner/Assessment Quality Partner; used to assess all learners nationally. In the EISA the learner proves his/her competence against the Exit Level Outcomes of the Qualification. Learners qualify for entry into EISA via a Statement of Results (SoR) issued by the accredited Skills Development Provider (SDP) – the GRDM in this regard”.
Learners pictured with the LGSETA External Integrated Summative Assessment Facilitators and Invigilators. Front: Gillian Tobin (middle), Mpume Madondo (right) and back Donald Mathebula (right) and Albert Sekhwela (far right). Also in the picture is Daniel Dippenaar, GRDM Station Commander: Fire Safety & Training (far left), who took over as lead facilitator from the now retired, Brian Afrikander, and successfully saw out the last quarter of the program.
In August 2023 the GRDM Fire & Rescue Services commenced with the implementation of the NQF Level 04 Occupational Certificate in Firefighting. This qualification is a national qualification that is achieved through a training program offered by an accredited fire training institution or a fire department. The GRDM obtained accreditation as a Skills Development Provider for this qualification in September 2022. This accreditation was obtained through joint efforts of the GRDM and the Fire & Rescue Services.
The qualification bears 149 credits, equating to 1490 notional hours of learning, and in effect a total of 187 days of training, including classroom study, assignments and examinations.
This qualification addresses a need to have qualified entry level firefighters who can respond to both structural and incidental emergency situations in South Africa.
It is an entry-level qualification for persons wishing to start a career in the emergency services, especially fire and rescue services. It is aimed at learners from formal schooling background and/or employees who are currently employed as fire fighters or individuals performing firefighting related activities.
Stoffels added: “Learners who successfully complete this qualification will have a range of foundational competencies relating to emergency services, firefighting, rescue operations, victim care and protection of property and the environment, as well as generic skills in workplace processes”.
The completion and attainment of this qualification will benefit learners in terms of employment in various public and private sector organisations, as they will be in possession of the required skills. In addition, Stoffels highlighted: “The employment of qualified learners by the industry will benefit both the communities and the South African economy at large”.
The 24 learners who completed the programme include three (3) members from Bitou, five (5) from Knysna, two (2) from Mossel Bay, three (3) from Kannaland, three (3) from Oudtshoorn, two (2) from Hessequa, as well as six (6) members from George.
Students will be capped at a passing out parade on 27 August 2024, whereafter they will be eligible for work opportunities locally, as well as elsewhere.
It is a good example of how the GRDM through the GRSM initiative, continues to lead skills development throughout the district in a collaborative, cooperative and integrated manner.
Did you know?
The qualification has been developed in compliance with the South African National Standards, particularly Community Protection against Fire (SANS 10090:2003). This SANS standard, in turn, gives normative references to seven National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards that are registered by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). The most relevant NFPA standards for this qualification are NFPA 1001 and 472.
The International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) is an international organisation that accredits over 100 Fire Service Providers internationally basing its accreditation on NFPA standards. This qualification has been compared against four NFPA certificates which deal with entry-level fire-fighter requirements, namely: (1) Fire fighter 1; (2) Fire fighter 2; (3) Dangerous goods awareness; and (4) Dangerous goods operations.
Feature Image: A happy and relieved group of learners after the completion of their final assessment.
Media Release: GRDM Skills Mecca programme launches its first ever RPL Firefighter Programme with LGSETA Funding
1 August 2024
The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Skills Mecca programme is coordinating and facilitating skills development projects in collaboration with all seven Garden Route district Local Municipalities (LM) and the Central Karoo District Municipality.
During October 2023, a Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority (LGSETA) Discretionary Grant funding window application period opened. GRDM, with the support of other Local Government stakeholders, applied for R1.75 million in funding to offer recognition of prior learning (RPL) to 50 employed municipal officials for an Occupational Certificate: Fire Fighter. The application was subsequently approved, and the funding was approved for GRDM.
The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for Occupational Certificate for Fire Fighters qualification is a process that results in an opportunity for recognizing and validating existing skills, knowledge, and experience of persons who have been working in the firefighting environment for many years but without formal certification.
The GRDM is an accredited provider and assessment centre with the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO), specifically for the Occupational Certificate: Fire Fighter NQF Level 4 qualification. This means the GRDM can roll out training and RPL programs related to firefighting.
Yesterday, 31 July 2024, the induction for the program took place for learners from Kannaland, Bitou, the Central Karoo District, Beaufort West, and the GRDM. The RPL programme will officially commence in August 2024. At the end of the programme, the learners that comply with all the necessary evidence will write an External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA) exam, and successful candidates will receive a national certificate.
Feature image caption: Learners from Kannaland, Bitou, the Central Karoo District, Beaufort West, and the GRDM who form part of the RPL programme.
A couple of mood shots captured during the induction session.
Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality Constructs Fire Breaks to Protect Properties and Enhance Safety
5 July 2024
The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) completed a fire break on its property at Skimmelkrans Herolds Bay, to enhance the safety and to protect the area from the threat of wildfires. The best time of the year to create fire breaks is during cooler, wetter months when vegetation is less likely to ignite out of control.
“The construction of these fire breaks demonstrates our commitment to the safety and well-being of our community. We are taking proactive steps to mitigate fire risks and ensure that we are well-prepared to respond to any potential threats,” said GRDM Station Commander, Fire Safety and Training, Daniel Dippenaar.
The construction of fire breaks is a critical component of the GRDM’s comprehensive fire management strategy, which includes fuel load and alien invasive plant reduction. Strategically placed barriers are designed to slow or stop the spread of fires, providing a line of defense for both natural landscapes and human settlements. While protecting human lives and properties, these measures also help preserve natural habitats and biodiversity.
This project was completed on 4 July 2024 in collaboration with Working on Fire (WoF). The next step in the process is to perform a fuel load reduction prescribed burn.
“TWe are taking proactive steps to mitigate fire risks and ensure that we are compliant with legislation, in terms of the National Veld and Forest Fire Act,” said Dippenaar.
WoF and GRDM Firefighters on site in Herolds Bay to create fire breaks.
For more information on fire safety and to request an educational session, contact Daniel Dippenaar via e-mail, ddippenaar@gardenroute.gov.za or alternatively the Chief Fire Officer, Deon Stoffels at deon@gardenroute.gov.za.
Feature image: Xola Melaphi from working on fire was part of the team who used various equipment to create a fire break – including chainsaws, brush cutters, hand-held slashers and rakes.
Media Release: Fire Safety Education rolled out to residents of Herold
4 July 2024
In a dedicated effort to educate residents of the Garden Route on vital fire safety practices, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Firefighters recently held a ‘Fire and Life Safety’ talk for children and a few adults from Herold.
Some of the pictures captured during the education session.
The event, which took place on July 3, 2024 involved a group eager to learn how to stay safe in various emergency situations. Senior Fire Fighter Bennie van Vuuren, Martino Jacobs, and Volunteer Fire Fighter Jivika Balram delivered an engaging presentation to 40 children. Essential topics such as what to do in case of a fire, dialing 112 or 044 805 5071, and recognising potential hazards at home, are some of the topics they focused on.
Senior Firefighter Bennie van Vuuren.
Senior Firefighter Martino Jacobs.
The group participated in hands-on activities, including practicing stop-drop-and-roll methods, and how to crawl or move low under smoke. They also had the opportunity to explore a fire truck and try on some firefighters’ gear.
Each child received take-home materials, including safety checklists and a family emergency plan template, to share with their loved ones.
Highlighting the importance of early education in fire safety, Senior Fire Fighter Bennie van Vuuren said, “Teaching children about fire and life safety from a young age is crucial. It empowers them with the knowledge they need to react appropriately in emergencies.”
The enthusiasm from the kids and the support from their parents were inspiring. The Firefighters from GRDM continue to offering educational talks regularly, ensuring that safety education remains a cornerstone of community outreach efforts.
Feature image: Some of the moments captured during the education session held in Herold.
