Seasonal firefighters report for duty

Seasonal firefighters.
A total of 114 seasonal firefighters will report for duty starting on Saturday December 1.

The seasonal firefighter initiative is implemented each year to beef up firefighting capacity over the warm summer months. 

They are employed specifically to assist with the combating of vegetation fires.

Hundreds of hopefuls complete a series of physical and academic assessments. Those who are successful start their training in November before assuming operational duties from December until the end of April.

Mayco member for safety and security; and social services, JP Smith, said; “Anyone who is familiar with Cape Town will know that the hot, windy conditions that characterise summer make firefighting a difficult task indeed. That’s why we need as many bodies on the fire line as possible. Our seasonal staff are crucial to these firefighting efforts and I have every confidence that this year’s recruits will continue the good work that we’ve become accustomed to from our seasonal firefighters.”

The City of Cape Town will also enlist the services of two helicopters as well as a spotter plane to do aerial firefighting. 

Fire emergencies can be reported to the Public Emergency Communication Centre by dialling 021 480 7700 from a cellphone or 107 from a landline.