Working
on Fire
EPWP

What we do

Home » Working on Fire EPWP

Working on fire is an Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) aimed at providing work opportunities to young men and women.

Fighting

Wildfires

Nationally & Internationally

Working on Fire Firefighters are typically called to assist with the management of local and international wildfires. In cooperation with authorities and Fire Protection Associations (FPAs), Working on FIre implements Integrated Fire Management (IFMS).

This includes creating fire awareness, proactively putting preventative measures in place (prescribed burns and reduction of fuel loads), partaking in suppression operations and rehabilitating burnt areas.

5000

Firefighters

At More than 200 bases throughout South Africa

WOF employs more than 5000 young men and women, who have been fully trained as wildfire firefighters and are stationed in more than 200 bases throughout South Africa. WOF addresses the prevention and control of wildland fires to enhance the sustainability and protection of life, properties and the environment through the implementation of Integrated Fire Management solutions.

WOF Firefighters are also given the opportunity to progress within the Programme, from firefighters to Crew Leaders, Base Managers and Regional Managers. There are also various other positions available within the Programme that are most often filled by participants who have moved up the rank from firefighter level.

Working

On Fire

Aviation

Working on Fire Aviation is a trusted supplier of key aerial firefighting services to role players within the wildland firefighting industry in South Africa.
It flies an approximate 4,000 hours and responds to an average of 300 fires annually. WOF Aviation assists with combating unwanted wildfires during fire seasons.

60000

Hours Flown

At More than 9000 fires throughout South Africa

WOF Aviation partners with municipalities, landowners, conservation agencies and Fire Prevention Associations (FPAs) to provide aerial support to the WOF ground crews. Its water bomber aircraft douse flames by dropping water loads onto fire and cooling of the area. Wildland firefighters can then move in and combat the flames, which would otherwise be too hot to launch a direct attack on. WOF Aviation is proud of its operations and always puts safety first. Since 1986 the Forest Fire Association (FFA), now known as Kishugu Group of Companies under the brand Working on Fire Aviation, has flown more than 60, 000 hours and tended to more than 9,000 fires in South Africa.

Depending on the season and client requirements, WOF Aviation operates up to 12 Huey helicopters with Bambi Buckets, 4 Air Tractor 802 fixed wing bombers, 14 spotters (Command & Control Aircraft) and 17 Aerial Support Vehicles (ASVs).

All WOF Aviation’s resources for this tasking, aircraft & pilots, are supplied by Kishugu Aviation, which holds the Air Operating Certificate. The fleet’s maintenance is carried out by a SACAA approved Aircraft Maintenance Organisation (AMO) – FFA Aviation AMO 1116.

Programmes

Working on FireEPWP