By Adam Berls

south africa assists

A display of cultural heritage to end their deployment: South African firefighters head home

Sep 22, 2023 | 1:46 PM

PRINCE GEORGE — A sendoff filed with laughter, smiles, dance and songs for a contingent of 215 South African firefighters, who have been on the front lines of some of B.C.’s worst wildfires for weeks. This contingent arrived in Northern B.C. to help battle blazes in the Vanderhoof/Fort St. James (VanJam) fire zone in early September and are heading home after a long deployment. Some have been in Canada for months, helping assists with fires in Alberta. One theme that echoed among the crew is pride in the work they did.

“One of the things that we are proud of is that South Africa has trained us and has equipped us to be ready for this deployment. We are very proud to be here to assist the world.” – Khulani Zulu, Agency Representative, South African Firefighting Contingent

On September 21, the contingent ended their deployment and welcomed members of the BC Wildfire Service, Ontario Natural Resources and Forestry, the US Forest Service, Emergency Management and Climate Readiness and media with a display of cultural heritage and traditional song and dance in honour of South African Heritage Day.

Members of the South African Firefighting Contingent take a group photo with members of the BC Wildfire Service and others on Sept. 21, 2023.

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With different climate and terrain in South Africa, the crew had to adapt to different conditions. Members of the contingent said they will be able to take to South Africa what they learned in B.C. and hopefully implement some techniques there. The senior representative for the contingent, Antoinette Jini, said their time in Canada was not just about fighting fires but was also meeting with people and sharing knowledge.

After all this time abroad, there is truly no place like home, and many cannot wait to touch the ground of South Africa, when they get off the plane.

“I don’t think we will be able to sleep because we are already thinking of home … We can’t wait to touch the ground of South Africa.” – Antoinette Jini, Senior Representative, South African Firefighting Contingent

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Twitter: @AdamBerls

Email: Adam.Berls@pattisonmedia.com