The VWS Stepping Up and Summer Safety Tips
“I wear my yellow with such pride……I enjoy working with such diverse, absolutely beautiful, hardworking, brave and real people like the VWS” said Elroy Arendse, when asked about his motivation for attending the upcoming Crew Leader Course.
In it’s constant drive to maintain the highest levels of safety and leadership on the fire line, the VWS is proud to announce it’s most recent nominations for Fire Boss and Crew Leadership training.The Crew Leader Course will also be attended by Carel Kriel and Michael Brandt, representing our Jonkershoek Base, and Karen Merrett, Kate Tindall and Patrick Ryan representing the Newlands Base. Crew Leaders are vital in the link between the Fire Boss and the Firefighters, they are the eyes and ears of the Crew while the Firefighters are plunging into the intense heat and battling the odds. The reasons for each persons motivation in attending these courses range from personal development and increased understanding of fire behaviour; to being better able to save fauna, flora and lives for the benefit of this beautiful world on our doorstep.
We are also very proud to name Mark Randall, Don Wilson as being qualified to attend the Fire Boss Course. They join Doug Hardy, our already qualified and still active Fire Boss, and the knowledge gained by these valued members will become a major asset to the VWS during operations and training. For those who don’t know, the Fire Boss is responsible for multi team management as well as assisting in “the bigger picture” when tackling wildfires. The overall command is handled by the Incident Commander. Having these members qualify will also allow the VWS to offer greater, and increasingly valuable assistance, to our partners SANParks and CapeNature.
Come and meet us all at the Newlands Open Day on the 1st December 2012, bring the
kids, there is loads for them to do. Best Dressed Fireman, abseil, snake show, food stalls
and the New Recruits Display to name a few. With summer round the corner, well we certainly hope so as this winter is indeed a long one! The Volunteer Wildfire Services, which works under the authority of SANParks and CapeNature, would like to offer Basic Wildfire Safety Tips for the months ahead.
VOLUNTEER WILDFIRE SERVICES N.P.C.
(A Not for Profit Company)
Cape Town, South Africa
“Committed to Integrated Wildfire Management”
REGISTRATION NO. 2005 / 027 / 497/ 08
FUND RAISING NO. 048 – 645 NPO
Directors: J. Sjouerman, D. Hardy, L. Glanville, C. Phillips, P. Ryan,
D. Erasmus, F. Wessels, Z. Erasmus (CapeNature)
Suite 1, Private Bag X3, Plumstead, 7801
w w w . V W S . c o . z a
Summer Safety Tips
• If going into the mountains check the Fire Danger Index (FDI) available at www.weathersa.co.za
• If hiking or walking always carry water, at least 2 litres.
• If you spot a wildfire, make a plan, don’t panic.
• Phone for help, alert authorities to your presence.
• Never run away from a wildfire up hill or up slope.
• If possible move sideways towards the flatter ground.
• Wildfires move with the wind, so move away and against the wind.
• Look for anything that could help shield yourself from the fire’s heat.
• If caught in a wildfire look for natural breaks in vegetation – such as cleared or rocky areas, depressions or large bodies of water. Clear away any vegetation you can away before the fire arrives.
• Get into those areas, get low to the ground and breath through a natural fabric.
• On a mountainside the back side is safer. Avoid canyons (kloofs), natural “chimneys”
and saddles.
• If a road is nearby, lie face down along the road and cover yourself with a shield that will not melt or burn.
• Discard any non cotton clothing as this could catch fire or melt onto you.
• After the fire passes remember danger is not over. Burned trees fall without warning.
• After a fire the burnt ground and debris is still hot and can burn you.
• Never leave a campfire unattended, always completely extinguish the fire before sleeping or leaving.
• Make sure camp fires or braai’s are a safe distance from any flammable material.
• Never braai or make camp fires in prohibited areas.
• Never throw cigarettes or matches from a car window.
• Never burn bonfires in windy conditions.
Report a fire or wildfire to 107
Other useful numbers:
Metro EMS: 10177
Emergency Control Centre: 021 424 7715