With rising temperatures and evolving climate conditions, the risk of wildfires is growing — threatening not only fire-prone areas but also surrounding communities.
Fire safety is a shared responsibility, and everyone has a role to play in preventing wildfires and reducing risk.
OF FIRES ARE STARTED BY HUMAN NEGLIGENCE
The Fire Awareness & Fire Safe Programme is a cornerstone of the Working on Fire (WoF) Programme, combining environmental education with practical, science-based tools to promote fire and life safety. It empowers communities with disaster risk assessment and mitigation strategies, fostering responsible fire behaviour and strengthening resilience to the impacts of climate change.
Through this programme, South Africans are equipped to:
- Understand their environment and the role of fire in ecosystems.
- Be fire-safe and disaster ready.
- Protect lives and property from wildfires.
- Support ecosystem health through responsible fire management.
OUR FLAGSHIP PROJECTS
FIRE AWARENESS IN SCHOOLS
The Fire Awareness in Schools project shapes future environmental leaders by teaching learners the essentials of wildfire prevention, fire safety, and climate resilience.
Aligned with South Africa’s National Curriculum, the programme delivers practical, science-based knowledge through interactive lessons, hands-on activities, and real-life insights from trained firefighters.
STATS – EDUCATORS & LEARNERS REACHED
Placeholder Text
The Fire Awareness in Schools project empowers the next generation through:
- Practical & Integrated Learning: Fire safety, climate change, and environmental responsibility are seamlessly woven into classroom lessons, with firefighters sharing firsthand experiences.
- School Debates & Climate Action Projects: The project creates platforms for students to explore environmental issues, debate solutions, and lead initiatives like tree planting, recycling, and wetland protection in their communities through the support Kishugu Foundation.
STATS – SCHOOL PROJECTS/ EVENTS
Placeholder Text
By fostering awareness, critical thinking, and a deep connection to nature, learners become change agents who bring fire safety and climate action into their communities.
BUILDING FIRE SAFE & RESILIENT COMMUNITIES
Our FireSafe Communities initiative empowers high-risk communities with the knowledge, tools, and support to prevent, prepare for, and respond to wildfires.
Through fire safety education, community training, and the development of early warning systems, we’re helping protect lives, homes, and ecosystems.
By promoting FireSafe practices, mapping fire risks, and building local volunteer brigades, this project strengthens resilience and fosters a culture of safety — creating lasting change in the face of growing wildfire threats.
STATS – COMMUNITIES SUPPORTED
Placeholder Text
ENVIRONMENTAL CAMPAIGNS
Month | Event/Activity | Description |
|---|---|---|
April | Community FireSafe Days | Community-led celebrations recognising local efforts in fuel load reduction and fire risk mitigation. |
May | Burns Awareness Week | Awareness campaign highlighting burn prevention and fire safety practices. |
June | World Environment Day | Promoting environmental consciousness, including sustainable practices to prevent wildfires. |
Provincial Winter Fire Awareness Campaign Launches | Pre-season campaigns with workshops, school programs, social media, and community firebreak activities. | |
August | Focused FireSafe Campaign for Women | Empowering women with fire safety knowledge and recognising their role in community safety. |
September | Arbor Day Tree Planting | Encouraging tree planting and community greening to promote sustainable landscapes and natural fire barriers. |
October | Risk Reduction Day | Week-long events focused on reducing fuel loads in high-risk areas to lower wildfire threats. |
Summer Fire Season Launch | Raising Awareness and preparing communities for the upcoming high-risk fire season. | |
December | Western Cape Garage FireSafe Campaigns | Campaigns focused on fire safety in garages and storage areas, preventing accidental fires during dry months. |