It is that time of the year again that most of us are preparing to spend time with our loved ones during the upcoming Festive Season.

Our Winter Fire Season went much better than last year and we recorded around 1000 fires less during this period. This reduction can be attributed to an increase in awareness from landowners, community members and forestry industry that you need to prepare well for the fire season and this was done through prescribed burning and reducing the fuel loads.

I want to extend on behalf of the entire WoF management our gratitude and thanks to all our participants who were kept busy during this fire season. You all produced sterling work on the fire line, in communities where you did community development work and also where you excelled in teaching these communities about the dangers of veld fires.

Enjoy your well-deserved break over the Festive Season with your loved ones as we want you all back safely in 2015.

To our participants in the Western Cape I want to wish you well with your Summer Fire Season and I urge you all to remain vigilant and safe on the fire line. However, amidst these achievements we also lost some of our fellow colleagues during this year. Our hearts and minds continue to be with the families of our lost colleagues particularly during this festive season.

Let me also wish all our management and staff all the best during this festive season and those of you that will be going on leave please enjoy your well-deserved rest.