A strong delegation from the Working on Fire—Kishugu Joint Venture will participate in the 14th Fire Management Symposium, held bY Nelson Mandela University in Howick, KwaZulu-Natal, from November 6-8, 2024. This biennial event unites wildland fire management agencies, fire managers, and stakeholders across various sectors, including Nature Conservation, Agriculture, Disaster Management, and Forestry.
The symposium, hosted by the Nelson Mandela University’s Forestry Department, aims to foster collaboration among natural resource managers, engineers, educators, and scientists. By sharing experiences and insights, participants can identify needs and gaps in wildfire management, paving the way for enhanced strategies.
Effective wildfire management globally is often hampered by a lack of integration between research, technology, and practical fire management efforts. All stakeholders aim to prevent, suppress, and safeguard the environment, human well-being, and assets from wildfires.
The symposium will feature informative presentations and valuable networking opportunities. Discussions will cover technical advancements, innovative methods, and essential training in fire management.
The participation of the Working on Fire—Kishugu JV delegation is particularly timely, as 2024 has marked South Africa’s worst wildfire season in nine years. Over 2,353 wildfires were recorded, surpassing the previous high of 2,270 in 2017. This alarming trend is underscored by recent tragic events, including the loss of 16 lives in the KwaZulu-Natal and North West fires.
Key questions will be addressed during the symposium: What training and education initiatives are necessary? Who will provide it, and how will it be funded?
The 2024 Fire Management Symposium is set to be a significant event, not only for its stunning venue in the Karkloof region but also for the gathering of top-tier local and international fire management experts sharing practical insights.
The Working on Fire – Kishugu Joint Venture will be presenting papers on Training for Aerial Firefighting Pilots as well as what the future holds for Training and Education Needs for Wildland Fire Management.
Working on Fire Joint Venture Presenters at the Fire Symposium
Frank Smook
Position: Person Responsible: Flight Operations
Organisation: Kishugu Aviation
Presentation Topic: Training the Guardians of the Sky: Aerial Firefighting
Frank Smook will discuss the critical role of aerial firefighting in South Africa. Kishugu Aviation, the aerial component of the Working on Fire – Kishugu Joint Venture, represents one of the largest and longest-standing private sector investments in firefighting, boasting 48 pilots, 4 bombers, 11 Huey helicopters, 15 spotter aircraft, and 18 Aircraft Support Vehicles. This is accompanied with a dedicated maintenance organisation and team of engineers, management and support staff.
This robust fleet is poised to mobilise quickly to protect vulnerable communities. Mr Smook will highlight the importance of training these pilots to ensure successful aerial firefighting operations.
Jeanette Relling
Position: Quality Assurance Manager
Organization: Kishugu Training Academy
Discussion Topic: Future Training and Education Needs for Wildland Fire Management
Jeanette Relling will address the essential role of training in preparing firefighters for the evolving challenges of wildland fire management.
The Kishugu Training Academy is committed to providing accredited training and refresher courses at Yellow Card Training Camps. This initiative ensures that firefighters are well-equipped to handle complex wildfire situations.
Mrs Relling will also emphasise the need for collaborative engagement to enhance training programmes in light of the evolving accreditation requirements and the inclusion of lessons learned with the WOF-Kishugu JV’s international deployments.
This symposium will follow on the return of a WOF-Kishugu JV delegation to the Wildland Fire Canada Conference, which will contribute to our discussions on wildland fire management, science, and knowledge-sharing on a global scale into a South African context.
Issued by: Working on Fire – Kishugu Joint Venture
Media Enquiries: Linton Rensburg
Team Leader: Stakeholder Relations, Marketing & Media
Cell: 082 508 0990
Email: linton.rensburg@wofire.co.za
