Fire and Rescue International Vol 8 No 2

The heart of a paramedic

It’s not just about lights and sirens.

It’s holding a new-born in the back of the rig, calming their first cries.

It’s sitting beside a teenager after a wreck, telling them it’s going to be okay, even when I’m not sure yet.

It’s carrying someone’s grandmother down the stairs like she’s my own.

People think this job is all adrenaline.

But honestly? It’s about presence.

It’s about showing up when someone needs to know they’re not alone.

In their scariest moment, I get to be their calm.

I don’t do it for recognition.

I do it because this is where I’m meant to be.

~ Source: Vitalshotslv

Venue

Garden Route Mall, George

Includes the Mini Toughest Firefighter Alive

Organisers Media partner

Power in action: The excellence of TNT Hydraulic Rescue Tools

26 The future of rescue operations: The advanced next-gen Pentheon Series

30 In-depth overview of vehicle extrication standards by Julius Fleischman

Aerial platforms 36 The strategic importance of an aerial platform in the African fire services

40 Refurbished Bronto Skylift presents an exceptional opportunity People 41 The heart of rescue: A personal reflection by Neville van Rensburg

Toughest Firefighter Alive 2025

Toughest Firefighter Alive 2025: Are you ready?

Personal protective equipment (PPE)

44 Are we endangering the lives of our firefighters? Part 2: The critical role of training in firefighter PPE safety by Lenny Naidoo and Jackie De Billot

Case study

48 Comparison of a bladder tank installation vs a FireDos proportioning solution by Frank Preiss

Gas detection

52 Operational deployment of handheld gas detectors in emergency response by Colin Deiner

Petrochemical and industrial fires

58 Fire risks and safety measures in road transport of LPG tanker trucks by Onur Özutku

Leadership

65 The importance of mentorship in succession planning by Dan Reese

Wildfires

68 South African voices at fEs2025: Fire knowledge rooted in landscape, culture and change by Hannes van Zyl, Samukelisiwe Msweli, and Prof Anna Klamerus-Iwan

78 Fire-smart futures: Nelson Mandela University students explore wildfire management in the Southern Cape by Sandisiwe Langman

83 Command Corner: Numerous spot fires over the fireline by Chief Tim Murphy

Firefighter fitness and health

84 Perceptions, experiences and challenges of physical activity among firefighters with coronary heart disease risk factors in the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services by Ghaleelullah Achmat, Makhaya Malema, Charlene Erasmus, Jill Kanaley and Lloyd Leach

Events

95 Firexpo 2025 ignites interest in fire safety and prevention innovation

Heritage

100 The history of SOS

Click a headline or thumbnail to view the article

Editor

Lee Raath-Brownie lee@fireandrescue.co

Cell 082 371 0190

Advertising advertising@fireandrescue.co

Design and layout

Marc Raath marc@fireandrescue.co

Digital newsletter

Pierre du Plessis pierre@fireandrescue.co

Accounts and circulation

Kelebogile Chimaliro accounts@fireandrescue.co subs@fireandrescue.co

Secretary Kelebogile Chimaliro pa@fireandrescue.co

Administration Kelebogile Chimaliro

Contributions

Africa

Roland Hendricks

Colin Deiner

Julius Fleischman

Neville van Rensburg

Lenny Naidoo

Jackie de Billot

Hannes van Zyl

Samukelisiwe Msweli

Sandisiwe Langman

Ghaleelullah Achmat

Makhaya Malema

Charlene Erasmus

Lloyd Leach

Europe

Frank Preiss

Prof Anna Klamerus-Iwan

Asia

Onur Özutku

USA

Tim Murphy

Dan Reese

Jill Kanaley

Publisher Lee Raath-Brownie

FIRE AND RESCUE INTERNATIONAL

Tel 011 452 3135/6 Fax 086 671 6920 Box 8299 Greenstone 1616 www.fireandrescue.co

Subscriptions

Free of charge

Contact: subs@fireandrescue.co

Copyright

All rights reserved

Comment

Fire and Rescue International (FRI) magazine stays committed to serving the fire, rescue and emergency services since 2011. In this 67th edition, our contributors share their insight, hands-on and practical experience, motivational leadership guidance and mentorship, as well as guidance on creating a safe environment for our firefighters and rescuers. Enjoy the read!

Cover profile

DoeseTech Fire share their history dating back 35 years, highlighting this family business’ journey in becoming a leader in advanced special risk fire protection equipment, with a team deeply committed to delivering the highest levels of service, quality and innovation.

National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC)

Lee Raath-Brownie

The NDMC’s Roland Hendricks shares the latest updates including the resurrection of the Fire Brigade Board (FBB), which is now positioned to drive regulation, standardisation and reform, while elevating the professionalism, safety and integrity of the sector. He also shares the recently held International Firefighters’ Day commemoration hosted in Limpopo Province at the Mopani District Municipality.

Events

Upcoming events include DMISA’s prestigious annual Disaster Management Risk Reduction Conference, which will be held at the Sun City Resort on 22 to 23 October 2025. We also feature the 10th edition of the Toughest Firefighter Alive 2025 South Africa Challenge, which will be hosted by the Garden Route District Municipality at the Garden Route Mall in George, Western Cape from 9 to 11 October 2025 and will have international visitors as well as participants from Africa.

Rescue and extrication

Our special focus on vehicle rescue and extrication features an in-depth overview of vehicle extrication standards by Julius Fleischman. Rural Metro shared their Weber Rescue Systems products with Ignis Armor showcasing their TNT Hydraulic Rescue Tools range. Also featured is the next-gen Holmatro Pentheon Series available from Aquila Corp.

Aerial platforms

Industrial Fire and Hazard Control discusses the importance of aerial platforms such as the Bronto Skylift F-SE Super Extinguisher in the mining, ports, petrochemical, oil and gas as well as for the industrial fire departments and local authorities.

People

Neville van Rensburg (Kussie) shares his journey as a rescuer, providing some advice on how rescue work will test your knowledge, your strength and your emotions.

Personal protective equipment (PPE)

Vanguard Fire and Safety’s Lenny Naidoo and Jackie De Billot looks at the critical role of training in firefighter PPE safety in this issue’s PPE feature.

Case study

Frank Preiss of FireDos shares a case study on a comparison of a bladder tank installation vs a FireDos proportioning solution. FireDos is available from DoseTech Fire.

Gas detection

Colin Deiner’s article in this edition focusses on gas detection. Deiner explains why handheld gas detectors are essential in the fire service, especially responding to hazmat incidents and structural fires.

Petrochemical and industrial fires

Onur Özutku from Türkiye shares the fire risks and safety measures in road transport of LPG tanker trucks. Özutku is an expert on LPG and details fire scenarios, emergency management for overturned tankers, response to LPG leaks and incident management response strategies during LPG tanker accidents.

Leadership

The USA’s Dan Reese writes about the importance of mentorship in succession planning, sharing practical steps to build a mentorship programme, quoting several research projects.

Wildfires

The Nelson Mandela University George Campus team share feedback from fEs2025 held in Portugal: Fire knowledge rooted in landscape, culture and change. Sandisiwe Langman details the students visit exploring wildfire management in the Southern Cape and Chief Tim Murphy’s Command Corner discusses spot fires over the fireline.

Firefighter fitness and health

Ghaleelullah Achmat, Makhaya Malema, Charlene Erasmus, Jill Kanaley and Lloyd Leach share their research results on ‘Perceptions, experiences and challenges of physical activity among firefighters with coronary heart disease risk factors in the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services’.

Thank you to all our local and international contributors, advertisers and readers for their continued support! Fire and Rescue International is your magazine. Read it, use it and share it!

Lee Raath-Brownie

Publisher

Congratulations to Wayne du Plessis for his photograph ‘Action!’, taken with a Canon EOS 600D with a Canon 55-250mm lens. Camera settings: F-stop 5, ISO 200, exposure 1/125 seconds.

Well done! This month’s FRI Images

Wayne du Plessis wins this months prize money of R2000!

Photo description: Night drill at Modderfontein FTC.

Fire and Rescue International’s (FRI) bi monthly photographic competition is open to all its readers and offers you the opportunity of submitting your digital images of fires, fire fighters, disasters, incidents, emergencies and rescues.

Rules

• All photographs submitted must be high resolution (minimum 1meg) in jpeg format

• Allowed: cropping, curves, levels, colour saturation, contrast, brightness, sharpening but the faithful representation of a natural form, behaviour or phenomenon must be maintained

• Not allowed: cloning, merging/photo stitching, layering of two photos into one final frame, special effects digital filters

Fire and Rescue International (FRI) reserves the right to publish (printed or digitally) submitted photographs with acknowledgement to the photographer

• Winners will be chosen on the merit of their photograph

• The judge’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into afterwards

Entries must include:

Name of photographer

Contact details (not for publishing)

Email (not for publishing)

Name of photograph

Brief description of photograph including type of incident Camera, lens and settings used

All entries must be emailed to: lee@fireandrescue.co >> ENTER

DoseTech Fire: Leading the way in special risk fire protection equipment

Mike Feldon, managing director of DoseTech Fire, a leader in advanced special risk fire protection equipment, is the first to admit that nothing comes without hard work, determination and persistence. But it was his late father, Walter (Wally) Roy Feldon, with whom he is proud to have built their business, who taught him honesty and integrity.

It’s these attributes that run through this family-owned business of 35 years that have led to its growth and success. Mike

relates how the company came into being. “My father established a flow measurement company, which included chemical dosing and chlorination; however, following the principal company being bought out by a competitor and the subsequent consolidation around the world, my father was left with just the chemical dosing side of the business, resulting in him having to rebuild his company from scratch.”

Although Mike had his own business focused on steam systems, he became

increasingly involved in his father’s business, where his mother, Colleen, also worked. It wasn’t long before they joined forces, roping in Mike’s wife, Sherry, too, culminating in a move from Johannesburg to Cape Town.

Establishing a long-term partnership with FireDos Around 1998, Mike and his father were introduced to Heinrich David from Germany, the founder of FireDos, which at the time was MSR Dosiertechnik. Heinrich was marketing a water-

driven dosing feeder for use in agriculture. A longstanding partnership developed, with Heinrich spending significant time in South Africa to understand the market. Mike relates how his father and Heinrich travelled 5 000kms around South Africa during a cholera outbreak, visiting all the water treatment facilities to try to solve the problem.

“Heinrich introduced us to the FireDos product,” says Mike, “a water motor that drives a chemical dosing pump. When water runs, it mixes in the firefighting chemicals and is ideal for industrial use. Going from being passionate about chasing greenhouses, I suddenly got very passionate about chasing the fire protection industry.”

However, success did not come easy. Banging on

the doors of consulting engineers, fire chiefs and fire departments, did not lead to sales of this exciting product. Although they enthused over it, there was massive resistance due to the pricing. The industry

was not ready to move away from the products they were familiar with.

Moving across many sectors of the industry, from preindustrial applications in

Father and son: Walter (Wally) and Mike Feldon at the Germany Achema trade show

harbours and refineries, to warehousing sprinkler systems, DoseTech Fire grew their client base with customers considering high quality and low life cycle cost instead of focussing on initial investment.

MSR Dosiertechnik was also evolving, eventually discontinuing its feeders to focus on FireDos foam proportioners, as well as changing its name to FireDos. In addition, it added extinguishing monitors to its portfolio. These changes had a positive impact on both FireDos and DoseTech Fire and the industry.

Acquiring agencies for Akron Brass and Mueller Co opened up further doors

“Two further breakthroughs were securing the agencies for Akron Brass, an American manufacturer of fire protection equipment, as well as Mueller, which manufactures valves

and fire hydrants, including adding SAFire of Italy. With these manufacturers under our belt in addition to the FireDos range, we were able to secure projects for fuel storage depots and pipeline projects, finding ourselves in an interesting industrial space with innovative technology,” says Mike.

First in the world portable trailer for crude oil storage facility in KwaZulu-Natal

In a world first, DoseTech Fire supplied a portable trailer for a crude oil storage facility in KwaZulu-Natal, comprising a 20 000l/min FireDos foam proportioning system that mixes 3% foam concentrate in the water. “Using an oversize water monitor, we can achieve a reach of 130 metres in an ideal condition,” says Mike. “It was built by FireDos in Germany where I travelled to, to undertake the factory acceptance. We tested it at a

local refinery, then brought it out to South Africa.”

Continually moving forward in the special risk fire protection industry

In conclusion, Mike shares, “I am proud to be a part of the FireDos family and grateful to Heinrich for teaching me determination and persistence. With my father as mentor throughout the evolution of our business and my grandfather, a WWII survivor, who gave me courage, I am proud to say that DoseTech Fire is successful today. We continue to learn, share knowledge and keep finding ways to solve problems to benefit our clients. I am proud to be a pioneer in the industry through bringing in new technology, while knocking on doors till someone listens and continually moving forward.”

When Mike realised that negotiating better pricing was not an option, he rethought who

DoseTech Fire’s Mike Feldon with the impressive FireDos monitor at Interschutz, Germany

he was aiming the product at and this was the turning point in their business.

Worldwide move to Fluorinefree foam agents

With the global move towards Fluorine-free chemicals for firefighting as a more environmentally-acceptable option, FireDos is ahead of the curve having already developed a proportioner, called FireDos GENIII that caters for these higher viscous liquids.

The Fluorine-free transition poses a challenge for the fire protection industry but with guidance from FireDos experts who are at the forefront of this development,

DoseTech Fire is able to assist the local industry transition to the Fluorine-free options. This includes selecting the right proportioner for this purpose, plus reviewing the existing installation to discover what can be included or upgraded.

A team driven by passion and expertise

What truly sets us apart is our dedicated team of professionals. Every staff member at DoseTech Fire is deeply committed to delivering the highest levels of service, quality and innovation. From our engineers and technicians to our customer support and sales teams, we work collaboratively to ensure

that every solution we provide meets the unique needs of our clients. This shared dedication and expertise allow us to build lasting relationships, ensuring that you receive not just products but a trusted partnership and after sales service for all your fire protection needs. Specialising in fire protection foam dosing technology and special risk fire fighting hardware, we understand that every industry has unique fire protection needs”, concluded Mike.

Contact Mike Feldon

Tel: 086 111 1544

Mobile: 083 251 9346

Email: mgf@dosetech.co.za

Visit www.dosetech.co.za

Reigniting national fire service leadership: Fire Brigade Board convenes after 17-year hiatus

By Roland Hendricks, director: Fire Services, National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC)

As Pablo Picasso once said, “Every act of creation is first an act of destruction.” The resurrection of the Fire Brigade Board is not merely a return, it is a strategic reinvention. In dismantling a 17-year silence, the NDMC, with the support of provinces, municipalities and other fire services stakeholders has laid the groundwork for a new era of national fire governance, built on reform, relevance and resilience.

Seventeen years after its last sitting, the Fire Brigade Board has officially re-entered South Africa’s fire services landscape - and not a moment too soon. On 23 May 2025, in what can only be described as a moment of strategic resurrection, the Board held its groundbreaking first meeting since 2008. The fire sector has weathered both progress and pressuregrowing in risk, complexity and expectation, yet lacking a unified national platform for guidance and oversight.

Thankfully, that era of “silence by default” has ended. The Fire Brigade Board is back; reignited with purpose, legally reconstituted and poised to

lead fire services into a new age of regulatory coherence, professional excellence and national coordination.

Because while fire services are trained to extinguish flames, this Board’s return is about igniting strategy, structure and standards across provinces, municipalities and operational boundaries.

Positioning the Board at the core of decision-making elevates national fire protection standards and ensures alignment with emerging risks and contemporary firefighting demands.

The composition of the FBB is prescribed in the Fire Brigade Services Amendment Act, 2000 and is constituted by: one person designated by the Minister as Chairperson; one representative from each Provincial CoGTA; two representatives nominated by the South African Local Government Association (SALGA); one representative designated by the Minister of Finance; one representative from

the South African Emergency Services Institute (SAESI); and up to three additional persons designated by the Minister, of whom one represents organised business and one represents organised labour. This diverse structure is intended to provide the Board with a broad, multisectoral perspective to effectively support fire service governance at a national level.

Since its last session in 2008, the Fire Brigade Board have been inactive despite evolving fire-service complexities, from wildland-urban interface (WUI) challenges and climate-related fire risks to modernised urban infrastructure and technological

Figure

advancements. This gap left a national oversight vacuum in areas such as policy guidance, capacity-building, and multisector coordination. In direct response to escalating fire services-related emergencies, the Minister mandated the Board’s reconstitution.

The inaugural 23 May 2025 meeting set an ambitious agenda establishing governance protocols, affirming roles and responsibilities and forging synergies with existing national structures.

The resurrection of the Fire Brigade Board is not simply an institutional milestone; it is a declaration of intent: that fire services in South Africa are entering a new era of national coordination, strategic leadership and operational excellence. The Board is now firmly positioned to drive

regulation, standardisation and reform, while elevating the professionalism, safety and integrity of the sector.

The Minister of CoGTA, Honourable Velenkosini Hlabisa, MP, will conduct the official launch of the Fire Brigade Board (FBB) on 1 August 2025 in the City of uMhlathuze, which marks a critical milestone in the transformation and professionalisation of fire services in South Africa. This launch not only reaffirms the national government's commitment to strengthening fire services governance but also signals the beginning of a new era of structured intergovernmental coordination, capacity development and policy reform.

In summary, the reactivation of the Fire Brigade Board represents a paradigm shift in line with the

"The resurrection of the Fire Brigade Board is not simply an institutional milestone; it is a declaration of intent: that fire services in South Africa are entering a new era of national coordination, strategic leadership and operational excellence."

repositioning of fire services in South Africa. It signals deliberate steps towards enhanced regulation, strategic coherence, capacity development and modernisation including aspiring to global best practices. With this rejuvenated Board, South Africa is recalibrating its fire service architecture for greater resilience, efficiency and societal protection towards 2030 and beyond.

Figure 2: Context and strategic relevance of the Fire Brigade Board

International Firefighters Day 2025

By Roland Hendricks, director: Fire Services, National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC)

"As part of its mandate to promote professional fire services and build local capacity, the NDMC’s participation in the event reinforced the importance of collaboration between national, provincial and local government in advancing fire safety and resilience."

The National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC), through its National Fire Services Directorate, proudly supported the 2025 International Firefighters’ Day (IFFD) commemoration hosted in Limpopo Province at the Mopani District Municipality. The event, held on 7 to 8 May 2025, brought together firefighters, emergency service officials, local leadership and community stakeholders in a united show of appreciation and

recognition for the bravery and dedication of South Africa’s fire service personnel.

Held under the theme "Honouring the Fallen, Empowering the Living", the IFFD event served as a platform to celebrate the invaluable contributions of firefighters, while raising awareness around fire safety and community risk reduction. The event featured two days of firefighter sports games a demonstration of service vehicles and live demonstrations

showcasing firefighting, vehicle rescue and water rescue and emergency response capabilities.

As part of its mandate to promote professional fire services and build local capacity, the NDMC’s participation in the event reinforced the importance of collaboration between national, provincial and local government in advancing fire safety and resilience. The commemoration also included interactive exhibitions, community education sessions and a youth outreach programme aimed at inspiring future generations to consider careers in fire and emergency services.

Speaking at the event, NDMC director Fire Services emphasised that International Firefighters’ Day is not only a moment of reflection but a call to action, “This day reminds us of the sacrifices made by our firefighters and the urgent need to strengthen fire services across the country, especially in highrisk and under-resourced areas. The NDMC remains committed to supporting municipalities in enhancing fire readiness and protecting lives, infrastructure and the environment.”

The Limpopo Provincial Government and the Mopani District Municipality was commended for its leadership in hosting this important occasion and for fostering a culture of safety, preparedness and respect for frontline responders.

This year’s IFFD observance in Limpopo marked yet another milestone in the NDMC’s ongoing efforts to reposition fire services in line with the Fire Services 2030 Strategic Roadmap and to build

stronger, safer communities through coordinated fire risk management.

In the keynote address of Dr BE Sithole, Head of the NDMC, which was read at the event in his absence as he was unable to attend, he paid tribute to

the courage, compassion and commitment of firefighters across the country, calling them “society’s last line of defence” and urging the nation to support fire services not only when emergencies strike but through sustained investment, recognition and reform.

The NDMC Head further praised firefighters for being the calm in chaos, reminding South Africans that firefighters are modern day superheroes and embodies courage, compassion and selfless public service.

The commemoration served as a clarion call to implement the Fire Services 2030 Strategic Roadmap, approved by the Honourable Minister, with priorities including modernisation, the review of the outdated Fire Brigade Services Act (1987), professionalization of services and integrated disaster risk governance.

As the sirens sounded in Mopani and across the country on that day, South Africa was reminded that behind every emergency response is a firefighter who stands ready; not for glory but to save lives and restore hope.

DMISA’s Disaster Management Risk Reduction Conference 2025

A DECADE OF SENDAI IN SOUTHERN AFRICA PROGRESS,

GAPS AND THE ROAD AHEAD

The Disaster Management Institute of Southern Africa’s (DMISA) will be holding its prestigious annual Disaster Management Risk Reduction Conference from Wednesday, 22 to Thursday, 23 October 2025.

This highly anticipated event will convene at the renowned Sun City Resort in the picturesque Northwest Province of South Africa, bringing together practitioners, policymakers, academics and stakeholders from across the country and beyond for two days of learning, networking and collaboration.

Conference theme and objectives

This year, the conference is unified under the overarching theme: ‘A decade of Sendai in Southern Africa: Progress, gaps, and the road ahead’. As we mark ten years since the adoption of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, there is an opportunity not only to reflect

on the strides made across the region but also to critically examine persisting challenges and chart a course for meaningful progress in the years to come.

Conference venue:

Sun City Resort

Sun City Resort, located in the heart of the North West Province, is an iconic destination known for its world-class amenities and stunning natural surroundings. The venue offers a unique blend of comfort, convenience and inspiration, making it the perfect backdrop for an engaging and productive conference experience.

Registration details

To secure your place at the conference, please refer to the attached registration form and complete all required fields. Early registration is highly recommended, as spaces are limited and demand is always high.

• Registration opens: Now

• Conference dates: 22 - 23

October 2025

• Venue: Sun City, North West Province

Completed registration forms, along with proof of payment, should be submitted by the indicated deadline to ensure your participation.

Accommodation options

Details on recommended accommodation options can be found in the attached official invitation letter.

Important note:

All accommodation bookings and payments must be made directly with the hotel or lodge. You are responsible for securing and confirming your own lodging.

Should you have any questions or require assistance regarding registration, accommodation or the conference programme, please do not hesitate to reach out to the DMISA secretariat.

We encourage you to join us at Sun City in October 2025 for what promises to be an inspiring and impactful gathering.

We look forward to welcoming you!

For more information, contact the Disaster Management Institute of Southern Africa (DMISA) office on email: admin@ disaster.co.za or mobile: 063 147 3411 (08h00 to 12h00 weekdays) or visit the website: www.disaster.co.za

The internationally recognised annual Disaster Management Conference for Southern Africa. Proudly presented in the scenic Bojanala Platinum District by DMISA, the Disaster Management Institute of Southern Africa, non-profit professional association and community of practice for Disaster Management in Southern Africa, and the SAQA recognised professional body for Disaster Management in South Africa, in collaboration with our esteemed partners. This biggest annual disaster management conference in Africa is a premier learning, skills development, alignment and networking opportunity for practitioners in

management and related disciplines and a platform to share the latest trends and priorities in disaster risk

CONFERENCE

22-23 OCTOBER 22-23 OCTOBER

Rural Metro: Your trusted partner for Weber Rescue Systems in South Africa

Rural Metro and Weber Rescue Systems, equipping heroes with the tools they need to save lives when it matters most.

When every second counts, having the right rescue tools and firefighting equipment can mean the difference between life and death. At Rural Metro, we understand the vital role that reliable, high-performance equipment plays in fire rescue emergency response. That’s why we are proud to be the exclusive agency, supplier and certified service centre for Weber Rescue Systems in South Africa.

About Weber Rescue Systems

Weber Rescue Systems is a globally renowned manufacturer of cutting-edge equipment for technical rescue operations. Whilst their tools are widely used by fire rescue services around the world, their clientele also includes USAR teams, national emergency agencies, police forces, military units and in the industrial sectors such as demolition and recycling.

As vehicle technology evolves with advanced safety features, rescuers face new and complex challenges. For over 40 years, Weber Rescue has led the industry in developing powerful and innovative tools that meet the demands of modern emergency situations. Their comprehensive product portfolio is supported by a range of accessories, an online shop and by various digital solutions that enhance rescue efficiency.

Driving Innovation in Rescue

Weber Rescue Systems is committed to innovation and sustainability. Their operations are certified under ISO 14001, thus ensuring that all equipment is produced with strict adherence to high environmental and energy management standards. This commitment reduces environmental risks and promotes continuous improvement.

In an increasingly digital world, Weber Rescue also leads in creating smart applications to support emergency professionals and volunteers. These digital tools assist with tool alert management, operational administration and real-time support during incidents.

Cutting-edge technology

Smart-Force battery tools

The Smart-Force series

represents a major leap in rescue technology. Powered by high-performance Milwaukee batteries, these tools feature optimised drives and smart functionality for faster, more efficient rescues. Designed for real-world conditions, the series also supports underwater use, advanced service integration, and targeted training.

E-Force battery tools

Lightweight and portable, E-Force tools offer unmatched flexibility with quick-change rechargeable batteries.

Designed to function in challenging environments, they deliver maximum power, speed and independence from external power sources. These tools are also compatible with Milwaukee’s 28V battery platform and the RescueLight LED system.

Smart-Force Anti-Theft:

Protecting your investment

To address the growing threat of equipment theft, Weber Rescue Systems has developed the Anti-Theft system, which is now standard in all Smart-Force tools. This innovative security feature helps deter theft, recover stolen equipment and avoid costly losses.

Key features include:

• Wi-Fi/Universal Mobile Telecommunications Service (UMTS) connectivity: Enables real-time status monitoring and internet access during operation.

• GPS tracking: Provides precise location data to aid in equipment recovery.

• Automatic device deactivation: Alerts users and disables tools used outside authorized locations or without permission.

World-class rescue solutions at your fingertips

From vehicle extrications to high-risk industrial rescues, Weber Rescue Systems provides the power, precision and reliability that emergency teams demand.

As the official South African partner, Rural Metro offers:

• The complete range of Weber Rescue firefighting and rescue equipment

• Certified servicing, maintenance and repairs to keep your tools operational and safe

• Expert training to ensure your team uses this life-saving equipment effectively

Why choose Rural Metro and Weber Rescue?

When lives are on the line and seconds count, there’s no room for compromise. Our exclusive partnership with Weber Rescue Systems ensures that

emergency services across South Africa have access to world-class rescue solutions tailored to local needs.

Want to see the difference for yourself?

Book a live demonstration and experience the power, safety, and innovation of Weber Rescue tools in action.

Contact Billy Paton

Mobile: +27 (0)82 348 6570

Email: weberrescue@ ruralmetrosa.com or billy@ruralmetrosa.com or visit www.ruralmetro.co.za

Power in action: The excellence of TNT Hydraulic Rescue Tools

A

new chapter for TNT Rescue in South Africa

TNT Rescue is proud to reaffirm its long-standing commitment to the South African emergency services sector. Contrary to recent rumours, TNT has not exited the South African market. Instead, the company has entered a new and exciting chapter through the appointment of an official new dealer, one that is fully aligned with TNT’s global standards of support, integrity, and service.

While the previous distributor is no longer affiliated with TNT Rescue,

we want to assure our valued customers across South Africa that TNT tools, parts, service, and training remain fully available. This transition is part of TNT’s strategic effort to strengthen its presence and provide even better support to South African fire departments, rescue teams and emergency professionals.

The new local dealer is backed directly by TNT’s US headquarters and offers improved access to the full TNT product line, expert technical support, factory-authorized servicing and local inventory.

A trusted partner for South Africa’s emergency services

In South Africa’s dynamic and often challenging emergency response landscape, where rapid urban development, high road accident rates, and remote rescue scenarios converge, having the right equipment is not a luxury; it's a necessity.

First responders across the country require tools that are not only powerful but reliable in harsh environments, easy to operate under pressure and backed by long-term support. TNT Hydraulic Rescue Tools

Rams: Ideal for pushing and lifting operations in confined spacesperfect for dashboard displacement or structural support

meet and exceed these demands, offering South African rescue teams’ world-class performance, durability, and a forever warranty that ensures lasting value.

Engineered

for rescue professionals

Since its inception, TNT Rescue Systems has committed itself to developing high-performance hydraulic tools that meet the rigorous demands of firefighting and emergency services. Proudly made in the USA, TNT tools are engineered with precision, tested under extreme conditions, and trusted by thousands of rescue teams across the globe.

Key features and benefits

1. Unmatched power-to-weight ratio

TNT tools are renowned for their exceptional cutting, spreading, and lifting force without compromising mobility. Whether you're using a cutter, spreader, combination tool or ram, TNT ensures a lightweight design with heavy-duty capabilities, ideal for rapid, effective extrications.

2. Dual and single coupler hose options

Offering both twin and single coupler connectors, TNT tools provide flexibility in setup and operation. Departments can choose systems that best suit their team’s deployment strategies, with quickconnect couplings ensuring fast tool changes during rescue missions.

3. Battery and pump-powered models

Recognizing the growing need for mobility, TNT’s batterypowered tools deliver cordless

Cutters: Precision-ground blades designed to cut through highstrength steel, including boron-reinforced vehicle structures

Spreaders: Delivering immense spreading force and tip strength to pry open doors and lift crumpled metal

Combi tools: A hybrid solution for departments needing compact tools with the ability to both cut and spread

freedom while maintaining the high pressure of hydraulic systems. Alternatively, traditional tools powered by TNT’s robust portable pumps provide continuous operation in demanding environments.

4. Reliability and durability

Crafted from aircraft-grade aluminium and high-tensile steel, TNT rescue tools are built to last. Their rugged construction stands up to the most extreme conditions - be it fire, water, debris or cold, making them a dependable companion in every rescue scenario.

5. Ease of use and maintenance

With intuitive controls and ergonomic design, TNT tools minimise user fatigue and maximise operational efficiency. Maintenance is straightforward, supported by accessible parts and TNT’s commitment to customer service.

A warranty that lasts a lifetime: TNT’s Forever Warranty

One of the most remarkable commitments TNT makes to its customers is the TNT Forever Warranty. This industryleading warranty covers all TNT hydraulic rescue tools for the life of the product, regardless of ownership changes, wear from use, or time in service. It’s a clear statement of the company’s confidence in its craftsmanship and a guarantee of peace of mind for departments investing in lifesaving gear. With TNT, your tools are protected for life.

Why choose TNT?

What sets TNT apart is not just their tools, but the values behind them: integrity, service and innovation. As a family-owned company, TNT Rescue offers a personal commitment to quality and user support that larger corporations often overlook.

From city highway accidents to rural vehicle rollovers and complex rescue scenarios in mining regions, TNT tools consistently prove their worth across South Africa. They empower rescuers to act quickly, safely and confidently; because when lives are on the line, you need tools you can trust.

Contact IgnisArmor

Mobile: +27 71 819 3512

Email: sales@ignisarmor.co.za or visit www.ignisarmor.co.za

The future of rescue operations: The advanced next-gen Pentheon Series

"Miles ahead in terms of technology and performance, Pentheon nextgen empowers first responders with tools that are not only powerful and efficient but also intuitive and reliable under any condition."

Holmatro’s next-gen Pentheon Series marks a significant evolution in rescue tools technology. These tools inherit the trusted Pentheon

features of speed, control and easy battery management that have transformed the landscape of rescue operations since their launch in 2020. The nextgen series further elevates this legacy, offering unrivalled performance, superior usability, advanced connectivity and exceptional serviceability.

Unparalleled speed for faster rescue operations

The next-gen series is equipped with a dual-mode operation, featuring a reduced speed training/demo mode alongside the high-speed Pentheon mode. The reduced speed setting is ideal for training scenarios, ensuring safety and skill development.

The Pentheon mode provides full-speed operation for swift extrication in rescue situations.

Guaranteed maximum power across the tool's lifespan

A significant feature of the nextgen series is the guaranteed maximum power throughout the tool's entire lifespan.This is achieved through electronic motor control and pressure monitoring, ensuring that Pentheon tools maintain consistent performance over time.

Enhanced safety with continuous visual monitoring

The next-gen tools are equipped with LED indicators that provide

immediate feedback on battery state of charge and health, as well as tool and battery temperature. Additionally, service alerts ensure that rescuers are always aware of the tool's readiness and operational status.

Improved communication during operations

The series features a redesigned drive system that operates at a lower sound level, enabling clearer communication during rescue operations. This not only facilitates team coordination but also helps in reducing the stress levels of patients at the scene.

Advanced connectivity with real-time tool insights

The next-gen Pentheon Series integrates Bluetooth connectivity and the intuitive MyHolmatro app, transforming mobile

devices into tool extensions. First responders can access real-time tool diagnostics, monitor battery and tool conditions, and ensure their equipment is ready for any challenge.

Unmatched uptime with effortless tool maintenance

Serviceability is paramount in the next-gen Pentheon equipment, with easy maintenance and monitoring features.

The MyHolmatro app facilitates an automated comprehensive Pentheon Self Check, assessing the tool's drive system, speed, pressure, and battery health. This feature is instrumental in keeping the tools ready for immediate use, reducing downtime and enhancing reliability.

A commitment to excellence and innovation

The next-gen Pentheon Series

is more than just a set of tools; it's a commitment to providing first responders with the most advanced and safe equipment available. Miles ahead in terms of technology and performance, Pentheon next-gen empowers first responders with tools that are not only powerful and efficient but also intuitive and reliable under any condition.

About Holmatro

About Holmatro

Holmatro, renowned for its highquality rescue tools, continues to lead the industry with its innovative solutions. Dedicated to helping first responders save lives, Holmatro combines cutting-edge technology with practical design to create equipment that sets new standards in rescue operations.

Holmatro, renowned for its high-quality rescue tools, continues to lead the industry with its innovative solutions. Dedicated to helping first responders save lives, Holmatro combines cutting-edge technology with practical design to create equipment that sets new standards in rescue operations.

For detailed information and demonstrations, visit www. holmatro.com/pentheon or contact our authorised dealers such as Johan Muller at The Rescue Tools Guys on

Mobile: +27 82 609 3438

Email: johan@trtg.co.za

Website: www.aquilacorpsa.co.za

In-depth overview of vehicle extrication standards

By Julius Fleischman, World Rescue Assessor Vehicle Extrication, World Rescue Organisation

Rescuers operate in an environment of continuous innovation.

In 2025, vehicle extrication exemplifies the powerful connection between advanced automotive engineering and the unwavering commitment of rescue professionals worldwide.

As modern vehicles increasingly incorporate advanced materials, high-voltage electrical systems and sophisticated safety features, the demands on extrication teams have never been higher.

Rescuers now operate in an environment of continuous innovation, where technical skill must be paired with a thorough understanding of vehicle construction, patient care integration and risk reduction because the margin for error is extremely narrow.

This information provides an in-depth look at the latest global standards, technologies and methods shaping vehicle extrication today.

Using the World Rescue Organisation's 2025 Extrication Guidelines and insights from top international training programmes, it emphasises how rescue tools and protocols have evolved, as well as the vital role of teamwork and ongoing, scenario-based training.

By exploring the challenges encountered and best practices developed across different regions, we outline a future guided by adaptability, teamwork and a continuous drive for excellence.

As the complexity of the world’s roadways and vehicles continues to grow, so must the strategies and skills that ensure every extrication operation transition seamlessly from scene management to patient survival.

Extrication tools and technology

Advancements in extrication tools

• Battery-powered tools: The shift to batterypowered extrication tools has revolutionised rescue operations, offering greater mobility, reduced setup time and the ability to operate in confined or remote locations. These tools are engineered to cut through advanced materials such as high-strength steel, boron steel and carbon fibre, which are now standard in modern vehicle construction.

• NXT GEN blade inserts: New blade technologies enhance cutting efficiency and durability, essential for repeated use on reinforced vehicle frames.

• Tool versatility: Modern extrication kits are modular, allowing for quick adaptation to various vehicle types, including electric and hybrid vehicles, which present unique hazards such as high-voltage systems.

Emerging challenges

• Material complexity: The use of ultra-lightweight and high-strength materials in vehicles requires continuous upgrades in tool design and operator training.

• Electric and alternative fuel vehicles: Highvoltage batteries, compressed gasses and advanced electronics demand specialised knowledge and insulated tools to prevent secondary hazards.

1. Vehicle stabilisation

• Primary stabilisation: Rescue teams employ a combination of chocks, cribbing and struts to prevent unwanted vehicle movement, ensuring a stable platform for extrication and casualty care.

• Scene assessment: A 360-degree survey identifies hazards such as fuel leaks, electrical risks and vehicle instability. Effective communication with law enforcement and other agencies is essential for safe lane closures and traffic management.

• Outer and inner circle approach: Teams work from the periphery inward, securing the scene before approaching the vehicle, which helps manage both immediate and secondary risks.

2. Casualty stabilisation

• Immediate medical care: Early intervention includes airway management, haemorrhage control and cervical spine immobilisation. Rescue-medical integration is now standard, with advanced trauma care delivered within the vehicle before extrication.

• Patient protection: Use of protective shields, blankets and targeted tool application minimises further injury during the extrication process.

• Triage and prioritisation: In multi-casualty scenarios, teams apply triage principles to allocate resources and determine the urgency of extrication for each patient.

3.

Scene management

• Unified command: Integrated incident command systems ensure coordination among fire, medical and law enforcement agencies, optimising resource deployment and communication.

• Time management: Many international standards now set benchmarks for extrication times, with scenario-based training emphasising rapid yet controlled operations.

• Documentation and data: The adoption of

electronic record-keeping is improving the tracking of interventions and outcomes, though challenges remain, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

4. Techniques and standards governing extrication

helmets, gloves, safety boots and eye protection for all responders.

• Hazard mitigation: Teams are trained to identify and neutralise hazards such as undeployed airbags, high-voltage systems and hazardous materials before commencing extrication.

• Continuous training: Regular scenario-based and multi-agency drills ensure that teams remain proficient with new tools, techniques and vehicle types.

Foundational

Widely used for rapid access

Common in frontal impacts

Roof flap/ removal 6.7% Provides maximal access for patient removal

Door removal 3.7% Standard for side impacts

B-Post rip 6.5% Facilitates access in severe deformations

Footwell access 4.1% Used when lower extremity entrapment is present

• Global standards: Organisations like the World Rescue Organisation (WRO) have established unified guidelines for extrication, focusing on efficiency, safety and adaptability to new vehicle technologies.

• Scenario-based training: International competitions and workshops simulate real-world challenges, testing teams’ abilities to adapt to unknown scenarios and diverse vehicle types.

5. Safety protocols

• Personal protective equipment (PPE): Mandatory use of lightweight rescue gear,

Global challenges and the way forward

Key challenges

• Rapid technological change: Keeping pace with vehicle innovation requires ongoing investment in tools, training and information sharing.

• Resource disparity: Not all regions have equal access to modern vehicles for training or the latest extrication equipment, leading to skill gaps and inconsistencies.

• Data and documentation: Incomplete or inconsistent prehospital records hinder outcome analysis and continuous improvement, especially in low-resource settings.

Solutions and best practices

• Standardisation: Adoption of global standards eg, WRO promotes consistency and interoperability among rescue teams worldwide.

• Targeted training: Emphasis on hands-on, scenario-based and multi-agency training

ensures readiness for a wide range of incidents.

• Technology partnerships: Collaboration with vehicle manufacturers and tool developers accelerates the adaptation of rescue techniques to new vehicle technologies.

• Quality assurance: Implementation of electronic documentation and dynamic registry systems supports quality surveillance and outcomebased improvements.

Vehicle extrication in 2025: Adapting to technology, training and global best practices

Adapting extrication standards to rapid automotive advances

Extrication standards in 2025 have evolved to keep pace with the rapid integration of advanced materials, electric and hybrid propulsion and smart safety features in modern vehicles. Leading organisations, such as the World Rescue Organisation (WRO), have updated protocols to address:

• Advanced materials: Standards now require tools and techniques capable of handling high-strength steel, boron steel, carbon fibre and reinforced frames, which are increasingly common in new vehicles.

• Electric and hybrid vehicles: Guidelines emphasise the identification and safe management of high-voltage systems, battery packs and alternative fuel hazards. Extrication procedures are adapted to avoid accidental activation of electrical systems and to mitigate risks from thermal runaway in batteries.

• Scenario-based protocols: Standards now account for a broader range of incident types, including multi-vehicle and complex crash scenarios, with tiered response strategies based on vehicle type, patient condition and scene complexity.

Most effective training methods for modern vehicle extrication

To prepare rescuers for the challenges of modern vehicle designs, the most effective training methods include:

• Hands-on, scenario-based drills: Realistic simulations using late-model vehicles allow teams to practice with advanced materials and complex vehicle systems under controlled but stressful conditions.

• Modular and blended learning: Combining online theoretical modules with in-person practical sessions ensures rescuers understand both the science and the hands-on application of extrication techniques.

• Tool-specific training: Regular sessions focused on the latest extrication tools, including batterypowered cutters and spreaders, help responders adapt to evolving equipment and vehicle construction.

• Multi-agency collaboration: Joint exercises with fire, EMS and law enforcement foster communication and unified command, critical for complex extrication scenarios.

• Continuous education: Ongoing training is essential as vehicle technology and rescue tools continue to advance rapidly.

Global challenges hindering consistent extrication

practices

Several factors impede uniform extrication practices worldwide:

• Resource disparity: Not all regions have access to the latest vehicles, tools or training, creating skill and equipment gaps.

• Inconsistent standards: Variability in national and regional protocols leads to differences in approach, especially regarding new vehicle technologies.

• Data and documentation gaps: Incomplete incident reporting and lack of standardised data hinder performance analysis and improvement, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

• Rapid technological change: The pace of vehicle innovation often outstrips the ability of training programmes and standards to keep up.

Addressing these challenges

• Global standardisation: Adoption of international guidelines, such as those from WRO and Euro NCAP, promotes consistency and interoperability.

• Technology partnerships: Collaboration with automakers and tool manufacturers accelerates the dissemination of critical information and new equipment.

• Targeted support and training: Investment in training and resources for under-resourced regions helps bridge global gaps.

Impact of high-voltage systems on rescue safety protocols

Emerging high-voltage systems in electric and hybrid vehicles have prompted significant changes in rescue safety protocols:

• Hazard identification: Rescuers are trained to quickly identify electric and hybrid vehicles, locate high-voltage components and access manufacturer rescue sheets.

• Isolation procedures: Updated protocols require isolating battery systems and using insulated tools to prevent electrical shock or arc-flash incidents.

• Thermal runaway management: Teams are trained to recognise and respond to battery fires and thermal runaway events, including appropriate firefighting and decontamination measures.

• PPE and scene control: Enhanced PPE and strict scene control are mandated to protect responders from electrical, chemical and fire hazards unique to modern vehicles.

Best practices from leading rescue organisations

Leading organisations have established best practices that can be adopted globally to improve the outcomes of extrication:

Best practice Description

Unified command and communication

Regular, realistic training

Adoption of international standards

Technology integration

Continuous quality improvement

Safety-first culture

Integrated incident command structures for multi-agency coordination

Frequent hands-on drills with modern vehicles and tools

Use of globally recognised protocols (WRO, Euro NCAP) for consistency

Leveraging digital rescue sheets, electronic documentation and scenariobased planning

Systematic review of extrication outcomes and updating protocols accordingly

Emphasis on PPE, hazard identification and risk mitigation at every stage

Conclusion and way forward: Vehicle extrication in 2025

In 2025, vehicle extrication operates within a dynamic landscape shaped by rapid automotive

innovation and the critical need for safe, efficient rescue.

The World Rescue Organisation (WRO) provides a global framework emphasising safe vehicle stabilisation, effective cutting techniques for modern materials and patient-centred extrication methods that prioritise both rescuer and victim safety.

These standards foster consistency and interoperability among rescue teams worldwide, enabling coordinated multi-agency responses during complex incidents.

The way forward involves:

Global standardisation with local adaptation: While international guidelines like those from WRO set essential benchmarks, flexibility remains crucial to accommodating regional practices, available equipment and evolving medical protocols. A fully prescriptive global standard is impractical; instead, a framework allowing local customisation promotes innovation and responsiveness.

Scenario-based, hands-on training

Continuous, realistic training that integrates the latest vehicle technologies and extrication tools is vital. Multi-agency exercises enhance communication and unified command, improving outcomes under pressure.

Technology and industry partnerships

Collaboration with vehicle manufacturers and tool developers accelerates the integration of new technologies into extrication protocols and training, especially addressing challenges posed by electric and hybrid vehicles with high-voltage systems.

Investment in resources and data systems

Addressing disparities in equipment and training access globally is essential. Implementing electronic documentation and quality assurance systems supports performance monitoring and continuous improvement.

Safety-first culture

Maintaining rigorous PPE use, hazard identification and risk mitigation protocols ensures responder safety amid increasingly complex vehicle designs and hazards such as thermal runaway in batteries.

In summary, the future of vehicle extrication depends on a balanced approach combining global best practices, local adaptability, ongoing education and technological integration. This strategy will enable rescue teams to meet the challenges of modern vehicles and complex crash scenarios, ensuring every extrication operation transitions effectively from scene management to patient survival.

Sources: Academic journals, books, websites, newspapers and more.

The strategic importance of an aerial platform in the African fire services

In a country marked by vast industrial operations, complex urban structures and critical infrastructure, Africa’s fire services face increasingly demanding challenges. An aerial

platform offers a robust, missioncritical solution for high- risk environments including mining operations, local municipalities, ports authorities and the petrochemical, oil and gas sectors.

Bronto Skylift’s aerial platforms, with a reach between 28 metres up to 112 metres, are a wellknown and trusted solution providing great extinguishing and rescue capacity for municipal and industrial fire departments around the world,

Mining sector

Deep-level mining and sprawling surface operations present a unique set of fire and rescue challenges. Bronto Skylift’s aerial platforms, with their high vertical and horizontal outreach and stable hydraulic systems, enable rapid deployment in remote or structurally compromised areas. They provide elevated water and foam application for conveyor belt fires, headgear incidents or processing plants, scenarios

where conventional appliances often fall short. The Bronto Aerial Platform is ideally suited for rescue operations at height where time is of the essence and safety is paramount.

Local authorities

Urbanisation has seen African cities expand vertically. In this context, Bronto aerial platforms, ranging up to over 100 metres, allow municipal fire departments to effectively reach high-rise buildings for both firefighting and rescue operations. The integrated cage systems, capable of carrying multiple personnel with equipment, enhance firefighter safety while enabling precision operations in confined urban spaces.

Ports authorities

Ports are critical economic gateways, yet they house flammable cargoes and complex ship structures. A Bronto aerial platform provides a tactical advantage in dockside firefighting, with the ability to spray foam or water from a height onto ships or port-side storage tanks. The reach and mobility of a Bronto aerial facilitate rapid response across expansive quay areas, often inaccessible by standard pumpers.

Petrochemical, oil and gas

The stakes in petrochemical environments are extremely high. Bronto aerial platforms can be equipped with integrated foam systems and allow elevated application onto pressurised tanks, loading racks and pipeline manifolds, minimising firefighter exposure to radiant heat and toxic atmospheres. These units integrate seamlessly into fixed and mobile incident command structures, supporting both mitigation and evacuation operations.

Industrial fires

Bronto Skylift F-SE Super Extinguishers are specially designed for the extreme needs of industrial

fire brigades. The increased horizontal outreach, excellent up-and-over reach, an extensive water discharge capability of up to 12 000l/min and various options enable safe operations in demanding industrial environments.

Across these sectors, the Bronto Skylift’s range of fire and rescue platforms stand out not merely as an aerial devices, but as strategic firefighting tools, enhancing response capabilities, reducing risk to personnel and enabling access where it matters most.

As Africa advances its industrial and urban landscape, investment in specialised solutions like Bronto aerial platforms is no longer a luxury; it is a critical necessity in modern fire service resilience.

Africa’s fire risks are diverse and so are the demands placed on your crews. Whether you're protecting high-rise districts, remote mining sites or high-hazard petrochemical infrastructure, the Bronto Skylift aerial platform is built for it all.

With unmatched vertical and horizontal outreach, high-

capacity foam systems and rapid deployment capability, a Bronto delivers critical access and control where it matters most. From municipal fire brigades to mining emergency teams, ports and oil and gas installations, a Bronto aerial ensures your response is elevated, effective and safe.

Backed by 35 years of trusted experience in Africa, local support and proven performance in the harshest conditions, a Bronto isn't just a piece of equipment. It's a force multiplier.

For more information on the Bronto Skylift, please reach out to:

Zarto Williams: Mobile: 061 158 6941

Email: zarto@industrialfire.co.za

Lee Marques: Mobile: 061 225 2710

Email: lee@industrialfire.co.za

Trevor Fiford: Mobile: 082 651 2580

Email: trevor@industrialfire.co.za

Or visit www.industrialfire.co.za

Refurbished Bronto Skylift presents an exceptional opportunity

In the ever-challenging landscape of Southern African fire services, where budgets are tight, risk profiles are high and operational readiness is non-negotiable, the availability of a fully refurbished Bronto Skylift F37HDT represents an exceptional opportunity for municipalities, mines, ports and industrial responders alike.

The Bronto Skylift F37HDT, a 37-metre high-access hydraulic platform, has long proven its value in demanding fire and rescue operations. Whether combating structural fires in urban environments or managing high-angle rescues in industrial facilities, the F37HDT delivers reach, reliability and rapid deployment.

Now available in fully refurbished condition, this unit has undergone a rigorous mechanical, hydraulic and structural overhaul, ensuring compliance with operational safety standards while delivering like-new performance at a fraction of the cost of a new unit.

Why consider a refurbished Bronto Skylift?

1. Cost-effective capability

Outright purchase of new aerial platforms can exceed R15 million. This refurbished F37HDT delivers 90 percent of the capability at a significantly reduced capital outlay, ideal for budget-conscious departments or PPP fire models.

2. Proven technology

Featuring a strong telescopic boom, articulated cage arm and intuitive control systems, the F37HDT supports both elevated water application and rescue operations. The platform boasts a working outreach of over 24 metres and is certified for safe cage loads in excess of 400kg.

3. Ready for service

With updated safety systems, new lighting, reconditioned hydraulics and fresh certification, this unit is deployment-ready and backed by a local service and spares support agreement from Industrial Fire & Hazard Control.

4. Flexible ownership options

Available for outright purchase, rental or lease-to-own, the

F37HDT can be tailored to suit procurement constraints, enabling small and medium municipalities, industrial fire teams and contractors to access advanced aerial capability without the heavy upfront cost.

Strategic resilience in a vertical world

As Southern Africa’s infrastructure continues to grow vertically, the need for safe, rapid and elevated intervention becomes paramount. The refurbished Bronto Skylift F37HDT bridges the gap between affordability and advanced performance, making it the right tool, at the right time, for the right price.

For enquiries, demonstrations or technical specifications, contact Trevor Fiford at Industrial Fire & Hazard Control (Pty) Ltd:

Trevor Fiford

Mobile: 082 651 2580

Email: trevor@industrialfire.co.za

Visit: www.industrialfire.co.za

The heart of rescue: A personal reflection

By Neville van Rensburg, Gife (Fire), MDM disaster (UFS) - PrDM

In the world of rescue, we spend years learning techniques, perfecting skills and preparing ourselves for the unknown. We train for vehicle accidents, fires, floods, structural collapses - every type of emergency imaginable. But no amount of training can fully prepare you for the emotional reality that, one day, the person you are called to rescue, may be someone you love.

After 44 years in fire, rescue and disaster response, I have experienced nearly every facet of emergency work. My journey took me from fire service and ambulance work, to leading provincial rescue training, assisting in international disaster responses such as the Malawi floods and training many dedicated students who now serve their own communities with pride.

Throughout my career, I always knew that every call we respond to involves real people; fathers, mothers, children but six months before my retirement, that truth became painfully personal.

I responded to a farm accident, a tractor rollover, to my son who was trapped beneath the tractor. Despite my training, experience and every resource at my

disposal, it was too late. He had already passed away.

That day left a permanent mark on my heart but also taught me the most important lesson I now pass on to every rescuer I train: Be aware, you never know who you are going to serve.

Rescue work is not simply a profession; it is a calling. Behind every callout, behind every victim, there is a family holding their breath, hoping for the best. Our duty is not only to apply skill and knowledge but to approach every scene with compassion, respect and humility for the victims, their families and our fellow rescuers.

In the years following that tragedy, I made the choice to continue serving - as a trainer, consultant and mentor. Because in rescue work, we are not here to avoid tragedy. We are here to meet people at the hardest moments of their lives, to provide help, hope and dignity. Our role is to bring order to chaos, to offer comfort amidst crisis, and to stand steady when others cannot.

To every young rescuer entering this demanding and noble field, my message is simple:

• Master your skills

• Train relentlessly

• Stay humble

• But never forget that behind every uniform, every patient and every call, there are people. Sometimes, those people may be your own.

Rescue work will test your knowledge, your strength and your emotions. But if you serve with passion, compassion and honour, you will make a lasting difference - not just on the scene but in the hearts of those you serve.

About the author

Neville Van Rensburg has dedicated 44 years to fire, rescue, disaster response and emergency medical services, both locally and internationally. He has served in frontline rescue, training, disaster education and provincial rescue management. Today, he continues to serve as a consultant, trainer and speaker, sharing his passion for service and leadership through his company, Disaster and Rescue Consultants and through his community work with the Lions Club.

Contact Neville van Rensburg

Mobile: +27(0)83 231 1535

Email: nvrensbu@yahoo.com.

Toughest Firefighter Alive 2025: Are you ready?

The 10th edition of the prestigious Toughest Firefighter Alive Southern Africa Open Championship 2025 will be hosted by the Garden Route District Municipality at the Garden Route Mall in George, Western Cape from Thursday, 9 to Saturday, 11 October 2025.

The TFA-SA is based on the international ‘Toughest Firefighter Alive’ Challenge, the blue-ribbon event of the World Firefighter Games (WFG). Individuals, municipalities, volunteer organisations, private firefighting companies, industrial and military firefighters are encouraged to participate in TFA-SA.

This event fosters collaboration and team building, enhances service delivery by promoting fitter, stronger firefighters, building camaraderie, fostering a sense of trust, mutual respect and friendship among first responders while strengthening community

relations and restoring pride in the fire services.

International support

This year’s event will also be attended by the founder of Toughest Firefighter Alive International and the World Firefighters Games, Mr John Hartley from Australia, as well as the host/organiser of the 2026 event, Mr Andrew Birch of ARAMCO, in support of the 10th anniversary of the South African TFA, a milestone in promoting firefighter fitness, safety and community involvement in South Africa!

The top winners of the TFA-SA will compete in the 16th World Firefighters Games (WFG26) to be held in Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia on 5 to 13 November 2026.

TFA-SA stages

Stage 1: Hose advance and make-up

Stage 2: Obstacle course

including Kaiser Force machine, dummy drag, container through tunnel and wall climb/jump

Stage 3: Tower run including equipment carry and hose hoist

Stage 4: Run in full gear

Registration

Registration closes 20 September 2025

To partake in the competition the following is required:

• Completed registration forms

• Indemnity forms

• Driver’s license or ID

• Proof of payment of registration fee

Entry fees

• Individual: R400 each

• Team: R1 200 per team

For registration queries, please contact Mark Smith on mobile: 071 676 4272, email: tfa@ fireandrescue.co or visit www.frimedia.org/tfa

Register here: Link

Sponsorships

Great sponsorship packages are available: Main sponsors, prize sponsorships etc. Contact Lee Raath-Brownie on mobile 082 371 0190 or email: lee@ fireandrescue.co.

Exhibit at TFA-SA 2025

The TFA 2025 will once again offer special exhibitor packages with stands sizes: 3x3m and 6x3m. Contact Lee RaathBrownie on mobile 082 371 0190 or email: lee@fireandrescue.co to discuss your special offer!

All monies go towards the Firefighters for Excellence Foundation to enable teams to attend the International Toughest Firefighter Alive, representing South Africa. Donations are eligible for tax exemption donation certificate.

Beyond the main competition, the Mini Toughest Firefighter Challenge will also be hosted alongside the Dräger South Africa Youth Challenge to ensure that youngsters are able to also feel the rush and excitement of the TFA competition.

The

Garden Route

South Africa's Garden Route is considered to be one of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring stretches of land in the world. From 9 - 11 October 2025, George, the centre of the Garden Route, will host the Toughest Firefighter Alive South Africa event.

The Garden Route District Municipality Executive Mayor, Andrew Stroebel, welcomes you to come and experience a safe destination framed by the majestic Outeniqua Mountainsa natural fortress of rolling peaks that cradle a garden of rich,

colourful vistas. Here, valleys and lakes, rivers and forests create a paradise for those who appreciate nature. It is an ecodestination like few others in the world, boasting miles upon miles of white sandy beaches and hundreds adventures waiting to be explored.

To sponsor and exhibit, contact Lee Raath-Brownie at Fire and Rescue International, official media partner for Toughest Firefighter Alive South Africa.

Thank you for supporting our firefighters!

Are we endangering the lives of our firefighters? Part 2: The critical role of training in firefighter PPE safety

By Lenny Naidoo; contributor: Jackie De Billot

Firefighting is an inherently hazardous profession.

While advanced Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is designed to shield firefighters from extreme heat, toxic gases and physical trauma, its effectiveness hinges not just on its design or compliance with international standards but also on the knowledge and training of its user.

In our first instalment, we looked at international standards such

as NFPA 1971 and EN 469. In this second part, we focus on the equally critical factor: bunker gear inspection and training particularly relevant under NFPA 1971, where modular components make inspection and maintenance easier to carry out.

Bunker gear: When did you last check yours?

Downtime offers a valuable opportunity to inspect your PPE. According to NFPA 1851, all used turnout gear should be

inspected at least annually or after any exposure to heat, flame or contamination.

Why inspection matters

Contaminants such as soot, oils and chemicals can:

• Degrade protective fibres

• Reduce fire resistance

• Increase the long-term risk of cancer

Many forms of damage are not visible without proper inspection procedures, which is why routine checks are essential.

Advanced inspection techniques

Moisture barrier bucket test

• Separate the liner from the outer shell.

• Mix one part isopropyl alcohol with six parts tap water.

• Place the liner over a bucket with the moisture barrier facing up and the thermal liner facing down.

• Cup the area to be tested so it’s lower than the rest of the liner.

• Pour one cup of the alcoholwater mix into the cupped area.

• After three minutes, inspect the underside.

• If any moisture leaks through, the liner must be sent for repair or replacement.

Thermal liner light test

• Turn the liner inside out.

• Use a fluorescent light to inspect the batting.

• Uneven brightness may indicate thinning or fiber shifting.

Inspection guidelines

Start with a basic light test:

• Separate the outer shell from the thermal and moisture barriers.

• Hold each piece up to a light source to identify:

• Rips, holes and abrasions

• Discolouration

• Signs of thermal damage

Focus inspection on:

• High-wear zones: elbows, knees, shoulders

• Cracking or delamination in moisture barriers

• Elasticity of liners and condition of wristlets

• Functionality of zippers, Velcro, label legibility, and correct alignment of layers

Best practice standards to reference

• NFPA 1851 – Selection, Care,

and Maintenance of PPE

• NFPA 1500 – Occupational Safety and Health Programme

These standards provide the foundation for both effective inspection protocols and training frameworks, ensuring PPE is both compliant and operationally safe.

Why PPE training is non-negotiable

PPE is not plug-and-play. Without proper training on how to select, use and maintain PPE and to understand its limitations even the most advanced gear can fail to protect its user.

Training is essential to:

• Prevent misuse or overconfidence

• Ensure proper fit and SCBA interface

• Reduce risks of heat stress and contamination

• Reinforce procedures during and post-incident

A dangerous misconception is that full PPE makes firefighters invincible. This mindset can lead to life-threatening overexposure training must actively counter this.

Core training areas in PPE programmes

• Donning and doffing procedures

• Gear familiarisation

• Heat stress management

• Decontamination and exposure reduction

• Routine inspection and maintenance awareness

• SOP and scenario-specific training

• Record keeping

Who should be trained?

• Front-line firefighters (career and volunteer)

• Incident commanders & fire officers

• Training instructors

• Procurement and logistics personnel

• Health and safety officers

All stakeholders must understand PPE specs, limits and operational needs to ensure effective selection and safe use.

What should you carry in your turnout gear pockets?

There’s no one-size-fits-all list but certain tools can be lifesavers.

Essentials

• Flashlight

• Knife

• Medical gloves

Highly recommended

• Multi-purpose tool or wrench

• Waterproof notebook and pen

• Rope

• Centre punch

Important: Don’t overload pockets, it hampers mobility. And always decontaminate gear post-incident.

Training is not a once-off

One of the biggest failures is treating PPE training as a tickbox exercise.

Effective PPE training must be:

• Ongoing and regularly refreshed

• Integrated into drills and live fire exercises

• Updated with gear or standard changes

Conclusion: Training completes the PPE equation

The best gear in the world is only as effective as the person using

it and that starts with proper training. Firefighters risk their lives daily; they deserve not just protection but also confidence, competence and care.

Our next article will explore specific equipment and the changes and updates with the new NFPA 1970 standard that is in the process of being launched and what has changed from NFPA 1971, piece by piece. Our aim is to ensure firefighters on the ground, the men and women putting their lives on the line, have access to accurate, updated information to make informed decisions.

For training resources, inspections, or to schedule a workshop, contact Vanguard Fire and Safety your trusted PPE ad fire equipment partner for over 33 years.

Comparison of a bladder tank installation vs a FireDos proportioning solution

By Frank Preiss, managing director, FireDos GmbH and Michel Malak, technology founder and managing director, SBS Projects

Water-motor-driven proportioner with a piston pump and a foam return line for eco-friendly testing of the proportioning rate

For many fire threats companies worldwide are relying on foam as extinguishing media. For the past few decades companies have been using conventional foam proportioning systems such as bladder tanks with a wide-range proportioner or driven gear pumps with wide-range proportioners, where excess foam agent is returned to the foam agent tank.

In 1994 the company of FireDos developed and introduced the first proportioning system based on the concept consisting of a water motor, driven by

the firefighting water and a coupled piston pump. The main advantages of using a watermotor-driven piston-pump proportioner are:

• The system is purely mechanical; no electric power is required.

• The proportioning rate does not have to be calibrated as there is a fixed mechanical correlation between water flow and foam concentrate flow.

• The proportioning rate is constant over a wide range of flows and back pressures and not affected by turning various output devices on and off intermittently; there are no

electronics that must adjust to new parameters.

• The FireDos GEN III watermotor-driven proportioning systems exclusively use inhouse-designed piston pumps that are engineered and tested for use with both low-viscosity Newtonian and high-viscosity pseudoplastic foam agents; no recalibration is necessary when switching concentrates.

• All systems are equipped with foam-agent return lines for cost effective and eco-friendly testing of the proportioning rate without having to produce premix or foam.

• As the separate foam agent

tank is unpressurised and can therefore be refilled whenever necessary, users benefit from unlimited firefighting time.

• Thanks to the wide operating range, the proportioning systems are qualified for all types of fire-extinguishing systems like sprinkler, deluge, foam chambers, fire monitors, wet and dry extinguishing systems.

• The system offers a compact and versatile installation.

No matter the industry or fire brigade, to date more than 15 000 FireDos proportioners have been installed successfully worldwide.

Several years ago, our exclusive Egyptian partner SBS Projects and Technology ( www. sbsprotech.com ) participated in an upgrade project for the storage facility of a local oil company. In consistence with its business plan, HSE commitment and social responsibility the operator started a project to upgrade its fire and gas detection and firefighting systems based on the latest Process Safety Management (PSM) standards and guidelines. The scope of work was to include a new

fire and gas detection and firefighting system including fire-water pumps, foam proportioning systems and remote-operated monitors.

The solutions offered were fully integrated detection and firefighting systems with the highest industry safety level SIL 3 control systems to manage automatic detection and firefighting using FireDos’ proportioners and remoteoperated monitors.

To date the operator had been using in-line-balanced-pressure-

proportioning (ILBPP) systems for foam generation and distribution. Due to the size of the installation this system was complex with numerous pipes running to the various parts of the facility.

In Egypt, SBS Projects and Technology is recognised as a value differentiator. This means that they approach projects with a focus on new design techniques, mainly for EPC’s who have a vision and full control over the project CAPEX and OPEX budget, preferably using FM-approved

FireDos FD15000 1% feeding three alarm valves

components. These are engineered and designed to optimise the performance of the system while considering a setup that will have the lowest possible total cost of operation in mind. Hereby the SBS scope will include a detailed engineering design, the supply of all components as well as the installation of the system, ending with the transfer of a guaranteed working system that can be maintained by the reliable SBS service team.

The foam proportioning solution offered by SBS, which was installed in 2022 and 2023 to safely upgrade the old systems, used the new and reliable watermotor-driven piston pumps, designed and built by FireDos.

The project required a total of 20 foam discharge points, which had to be independently fed with premix. Even though the proportioning rate was the same for all discharge points, the flow volumes and distances from the proportioners, which are equivalent to differing pressure drops, varied.

Using the former ILBPP technology, a total of 20 in-line-balanced-pressureproportioners, each equipped with a control valve, were needed. The ILBPPs were fed with foam concentrate by a diesel-electric foam proportioning pump. In this project the total cost would have amounted to approximately USD1 400 000. The FireDos solution, using three skidmounted FD10000 proportioning systems of the latest generation, GEN III, resulted in a total cost of approximately USD970 000.

Apart from the reduction in cost, the two additional advantages that were seen was the reduction in necessary ground space as well as the considerable reduction in maintenance cost. With the FireDos proportioner you can test the proportioning rate of the foam without having to create foam or premix, by using a return line. This way you do not have to consume any foam concentrate or refill your atmospheric foam storage tanks. In addition, you do not

have to dispose of any foam or premix, which helps in your ecological balance sheet.

Beside the savings in the foam proportioning and valve systems, the significant reduction in pipework resulted in a cost saving of approximately USD555 000.

In addition, the project construction time could be reduced by six months. A comparison of images 2 and 3 makes this difference very obvious.

In addition to having used FireDos proportioning systems, SBS re-evaluated the fire monitor extinguishing concept for the two storage tanks and dyke areas.

To date, eight monitors with a maximum water flow of 2000lpm with mechanical self-oscillating devices were used, each with their own local foam concentrate tank, proportioning system and deluge valve skid. SBS changed the system to a more innovative design, using only

Design of ILBPP system with pipe work and control valves

two slightly bigger FM-approved FireDos M5 monitors. These fire monitors were equipped with remote-controlled volume adjustment nozzles (AMPNnozzle), which have a longer throwing range compared to competitor products. This is due to the innovative octagonal design that was engineered using hydrodynamic computermodelling, which resulted in a lower pressure drop. This lower pressure drop allows for a bigger throwing distance that can cover the complete area to be protected with a maximum water flow of 12 000lpm at 8 bar pressure at the inlet of the monitor base. By moving to this concept, an additional approximately USD400 000 could be saved.

As a last recommendation, the move to a new flame-detections system, designed by the company of FGD, using IR3 and optionally HD cameras was integrated.

The system is programmed by SBS to allow the fire monitors to either automatically extinguish in

a predefined area, using remote controls with FM-approved programmable SIL 3 logic controllers or manually.

Overall, by using innovative approaches and out-of-the-box solution recommendations, SBS could help the operator save about 15 percent on the total project budget, compared to the original design. Beside saving on cost, the operator can now rely on state-of-the-art technology.

FireDos specialises in the development and production of innovative and reliable proportioning systems and extinguishing monitors for firefighting. FireDos provides its customers security through risk reduction, lower operating costs and compliance with legal regulations. Every single FireDos product is designed, built and tested to meet the most challenging conditions. The proportioning systems and extinguishing monitors fulfil an elementary task: they protect people, buildings, plants and equipment.

All foam agent types, even those of high viscosity, can be mixed. A constant proportioning rate across a wide operating range guarantees automatic adaptation to variable firefighting scenarios. Another advantage is that the costeffective and eco-friendly proportioning rate testing method works completely without producing foam or premix.

This case study was first published in Gulf Fire by MDM Publishing.

For more information, visit www.firedos.com/products/ proportioners-stationary

FireDos is available through DoseTech Fire.

For more information contact Michael Feldon at DoseTech Fire

Mobile: +27(0) 83 251 9346

Tel: +27(0)86 111 1544

Email: mgf@dosetech.co.za.

Visit: www.dosetech.co.za

Design of FireDos water-motor-driven piston pumps with pipe work

Operational deployment of handheld gas detectors in emergency response

By Colin Deiner, chief director, Disaster Management and Fire Brigade Services, Western Cape Government

In the dynamic world of hazardous materials response, few tools are as critical and as misunderstood, as the handheld gas detector.

Compact, portable and increasingly sophisticated, gas detectors have evolved from simple alarms into powerful tactical assets. When properly employed, they enable fire service hazmat teams to make informed decisions quickly, safeguard personnel and manage complex incidents with greater confidence and precision.

Yet, in many departments, gas detectors are still viewed as passive tools; activated, clipped to gear and often ignored until they activate. To unlock their full potential, we must embrace them as proactive instruments, integral to tactical planning, entry operations and incident command.

This article explores the tactical use of gas detectors in hazmat scenarios, confined space entry and structural fire operations, offering real-world guidance on how to integrate these devices into every stage of a response.

The first line of atmospheric intelligence

Whether arriving at a chemical spill, industrial fire, confined space emergency, or an unknown odour call, the first priority is simple: determine if the air is safe. Multi-gas detectors, typically configured to monitor Oxygen (O2), Combustible Gases (LEL), Carbon Monoxide (CO) and Hydrogen Sulphide (H2S), should be deployed the moment crews dismount the rig. Specialised models may add sensors for Volatile Organic compounds (VOCs), Ammonia, Chlorine or even radiation.

Tactically, the gas detector serves as the point man’s eyes. As a firefighter advances toward a potential hazard, the detector provides real-time atmospheric feedback, helping define exclusion zones, determine PPE requirements and identify immediate threats such as flammable vapours or toxic gases.

A gas detector is not just a safety net—it’s your first scout into the unknown

Why handheld gas detectors are essential

Firefighters responding to hazmat incidents face the immediate challenge of operating in environments that may be contaminated by invisible, odourless and lethal gases. Handheld gas detectors allow them to quickly assess the atmosphere for the presence of combustible gases, toxic chemicals, oxygen levels and other hazardous substances.

These detectors are commonly used during:

• Chemical spills

• Gas leaks

• Industrial fires

• Confined space entries and

• Post-fire investigations

In each case, rapid atmospheric assessment is critical not only to protect firefighters and civilians but also to guide tactical decisions such as evacuation, ventilation and protective equipment requirements.

Gas detectors typically measure the following:

• Oxygen (O2): To detect oxygen-deficient or enriched atmospheres.

• Combustible gases (LEL): Lower explosive limit detection to identify risk of explosion.

• Carbon Monoxide (CO): A deadly gas often present in fires and engine exhaust.

• Hydrogen Sulphide (H2S): Toxic and flammable, common in wastewater and petroleum environments.

• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Detected with photoionisation detectors (PIDs) for broader chemical hazard recognition.

More advanced detectors may identify Ammonia, Chlorine, Sulphur Dioxide and even radiation, depending on sensor configuration.

Single vs multi-gas detectors: What’s the difference?

Handheld gas detectors come in two main types: single-gas detectors and multi-gas detectors. While they serve the same core purpose - detecting hazardous gases, their design, capabilities and tactical uses differ significantly. Single-gas detectors are designed to monitor one specific gas only. These are commonly

used when a known gas hazard exists or when long-term exposure to a specific toxic gas must be tracked.

Common gases include:

• Carbon Monoxide (CO)

• Hydrogen Sulphide (H2S)

• Oxygen (O2)

• Sulphur Dioxide (SO2)

• Ammonia (NH3) and

• Chlorine (Cl2)

Single gas detectors are generally lightweight and easy to wear, have a relatively long battery life and are quite simple to operate, often just on/off. They are ideal for personal protection in known environments eg sewer maintenance, confined space entry. The biggest limitation however is that they can only detect one hazard at a time and therefore are not suitable for unknown environments or complex hazmat scenes.

Multi-gas detectors can simultaneously monitor several gases, usually four to six and is designed for dynamic or unknown environments like hazmat incidents, industrial

fires, confined spaces or rescue operations. The typical configuration for a four-gas detector is Oxygen (O2), Combustible Gases (LEL), Carbon Monoxide (CO2) and Hydrogen Sulphide (H2S).

Advanced models may include Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), Ammonia, Chlorine, Phosphine or Cyanide sensors and radiation or CO2 detection.

Multi-gas detectors provide comprehensive atmospheric monitoring and can detect multiple hazards at once which make them ideal for fire departments, hazmat teams and confined space entries.

They are, however, more complex to operate, come at a higher cost and require more frequent calibration. User interpretation of multiple readings might also be necessary.

Single-gas detectors are focused and simple. Multi-gas detectors are versatile and missioncritical. Both have a place in fire service operations but selecting the right one depends on your environment, known risks and tactical objectives.

Tactical use of gas detectors in hazmat incidents

Fire department hazmat teams integrate handheld detectors into standard operating procedures for a variety of missions. These include:

• Initial scene assessment: Upon arrival, responders use detectors to establish hot, warm and cold zones based on gas readings. This ensures that personnel only enter dangerous areas with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

• Continuous monitoring: During operations, detectors provide ongoing feedback about

environmental changes. This is especially important in dynamic incidents where gas release rates may fluctuate.

• Decontamination safety: Gas detectors confirm that decontamination areas are safe for personnel to operate and that contaminants are not spreading to unaffected zones.

• Post-incident clearance: Detectors verify that a scene is safe before allowing re-entry or demobilisation, ensuring residual gases have dissipated.

The broad spectrum of atmospheric hazards that may be present in a major hazardous materials incident requires that handheld gas detectors must not be considered to be the only options but part of a broader detection and identification strategy. They are often used alongside fixed gas monitoring systems, chemical identification kits and air

Gases monitored 1 4 to 6 plus

Complexity

Ideal use case atmospheres

Common user types

Portability

Low

Known hazard environments

Medium to high

Unknown or dynamic

Utility workers, confined space entrants Hazmat teams, fire crews.

Very high (pocket-sized)

Moderate (handheld or clipped)

Cost Lower Higher

sampling for laboratory analysis. Recent technology has also seen the introduction of drone-mounted detectors.

Together, these tools provide a layered defence against chemical hazards, ensuring comprehensive situational awareness.

Gas detectors aren’t just safety tools; they’re decision tools. For the operations sector commander, gas detectors will provide critical information for the following decisions:

• Entry timing: Confirm safe atmospheric conditions before sending in recon or tech teams.

• Ventilation strategy: Use readings to guide positive pressure ventilation or suppression efforts.

• Decon operations: Monitor decon corridors to prevent chemical off-gassing from compromising support crews.

• Evacuation orders: Justify public safety decisions with live data, improving coordination with law enforcement and emergency management.

A critical skill for firefighters is the ability to interpret gas detector behaviour. For instance, a detector stuck on a high LEL reading may not indicate an actual explosive concentration; it could signal a sensor that's saturated and no longer accurate.

Knowing this prevents dangerous misinterpretation. Likewise, fluctuations in VOC levels detected by photo-ionisation detectors (PIDs) can help trace the source of a spill or leak. These readings may even detect offgassing from previously inert materials when exposed to heat or water, vital insight during industrial fires.

The importance of proper training and exercising is vital and even though most detectors are relatively simple to operate, it really comes down to the interpretation of the information that will provide the true benefits. As with all other testing and measuring equipment, regular checks are essential. An untested detector is a liability. A quick, functional check to ensure that a gas detector's sensors and alarms are working properly before use involves exposing a gas detector to a known concentration of target gas(es) to confirm that the sensors respond correctly, the alarms (audible, visual and vibration) activate as expected and the detector reads within an acceptable range, though it doesn’t adjust the sensor; calibration does that.

Hazmat teams should guard against the notion that one detector is enough and that they only need to take a reading in

the area they are working in. A single reading at one point does not reflect the entire hazard zone. Gas properties might also dictate that certain concentrations might be more prevalent closer to the ground or in higher points than where the detector is deployed. Environmental Factors such as temperature, humidity and airflow influence readings. Monitor at multiple heights; some gases sink, others rise.

Modern gas detectors offer Bluetooth, GPS and telemetry capabilities, turning them into networked field sensors. Linked to incident command software, they allow chiefs to monitor exposure data, location, and team safety in real time. This is particularly valuable during long-duration hazmat scenes or when multiple teams operate across a wide area.

For departments with limited hazmat resources, deploying a wireless area monitor with gas sensors at a fixed location near the hazard provides continuous atmospheric data while crews operate safely in the cold zone.

Tactical use of gas detector in confined space operations

Confined space incidents pose some of the most immediate and life-threatening hazards faced by fire and rescue services. These environments which include Feature

tanks, silos, sewers and vaults, are not designed for continuous occupancy and may contain toxic, flammable or oxygen deficient atmospheres. The use of handheld gas detectors is critical for safe entry, rescue and recovery operations in these settings.

Handheld gas detectors provide responders with vital atmospheric intelligence, allowing for dynamic risk assessment and compliance with OHS standards.

Confined spaces can present the following atmospheric dangers:

• Oxygen deficiency (<19.5 percent) or enrichment (>23.5 percent)

• Flammable gases or vapours eg Methane, Propane

• Toxic gases eg H2S, CO, NH2, VOCs

• Stratified gases due to poor ventilation (heavier gases settling at the bottom)

These hazards are often invisible and odourless and therefore handheld gas detectors are the first line of defence against a fatal entry.

Gas sampling at a confined space operation always starts before anyone enters the space. Pre-entry atmospheric testing must be done remotely before anyone enters a confined space. This is done by using a remote sample probe or pump attachment to test the atmosphere from outside. Remember to test at top, middle and bottom levels of the space; gases stratify based on weight and temperature.

Atmospheric testing must be done in the following order:

1. Oxygen (O2): Check for deficiency or enrichment.

2. Flammable gases (LEL): Detect explosive atmospheres.

3.Toxic gases: Including CO, H2S

or others specific to the facility or known hazards.

Always allow the gas detector sufficient time to stabilise at each depth level and ensure continuous monitoring for the entire duration of the mission as atmospheric conditions can change suddenly due to chemical reactions, temperature shifts or disturbed sediment. For this reason entrants must carry a handheld gas detector at breathing zone level and the detector must remain on and visible/audible alarms must be enabled.

In the event of a downed worker in a confined space rescuers must perform gas detection before and during the rescue and if readings show IDLH conditions, rescuers must use the proper respiratory protection. Gas detector readings can also guide

ventilation, PPE levels and time limits for entries.

The ideal gas detectors for confined space operations will have a durable, intrinsically safe design and must have a four-gas capability ie O2, LEL, CO, H2S and where specific risks might prevail have additional sensors for specific hazards eg chlorine, ammonia, VOCs.

It is also advisable to have a sensor which is capable of data logging for post-incident review.

Handheld gas detectors are indispensable in confined space incidents. Their proper use ensures that hazardous atmospheres are identified before they can claim lives. In such unforgiving environments, technology and training work hand in hand to protect responders and workers alike. Fire departments must treat gas detectors not just as equipment but as essential teammates in every confined space operation.

Gas detection in structural fires

In the smoke-filled environment of a structural fire, danger doesn’t always come with flames. Toxic gases and invisible vapours are among the deadliest threats faced by firefighters, long after the fire is out. While thermal imagers help us see through the dark, gas detectors help us breathe safely within it.

Handheld gas detectors are too often viewed as hazmat tools. In truth, they are critical on the fireground, especially during overhaul, ventilation and re-entry phases. Used tactically, they become life-saving instruments that inform every decision, whether to advance, ventilate, retreat or remove SCBA.

Your thermal camera shows you what’s hot. Your gas detector shows you what’s deadly.

When materials combust, they release far more than smoke and heat. Firefighters regularly face a stew of hazardous gases, including carbon monoxide (odourless, deadly and present in all fires), hydrogen cyanide (released from burning plastics, foam, and synthetics) and flammable vapours (Methane, propane, etc), low oxygen levels and carbon dioxide, a respiratory depressant in enclosed spaces.

When entering a structure involved in fire, handheld gas detectors should accompany your hose crews to ensure that flammability monitoring of unburned gases is carried out and that the possibility of them walking into backdrafts and flashovers is limited. It will also ensure that ventilation crews aren’t exposing themselves to gas pockets that could ignite. It is also important to carry out periodic checks of your equipment and apparatus staging areas. Portable generators and vehicle exhaust can create toxic build up near rehab or your incident command post.

The most hazardous phase of a major fire might not be the acute stage when the fire is still raging but the overhaul phase when the fire’s out, the smoke is clearing, and tired firefighters are shedding their SCBAs. Smouldering materials continue to release gas, CO, HCN and VOCs even as the temperature drops. Detectors should still be deployed continuously at this time to monitor air near

personnel and decon points. Gases can remain trapped in flooring, insulation, or voids even hours after knockdown which could negatively impact the start of the fire investigation phase. Gas monitoring at this time must be deployed to monitor air before investigators enter and at predetermined points where the investigation is taking place.

In structural fire operations, gas detectors are not optional, they’re operational. From suppression to overhaul and clearance, they offer real-time, lifesaving intelligence that protects firefighters from the dangers they can’t see, smell or feel. Train suppression crews to use gas detectors as tactically as they use nozzles and thermal imaging cameras.

Conclusion: Compliance to tactical edge

The handheld gas detector is more than a check-the-box requirement. It’s a tactical ally, a first-responder sensor, and often, the only warning you’ll get before something goes wrong.

To use it effectively you must train regularly in real-world conditions and ensure that you interpret the data (don’t just read the screen). Just as you do with your SCBA, trust the detector; when it alarms, take action. The environment in which you are operating during a hazmat, fire or confined space incident will differ for many reasons. For this reason, deploy the detectors widely - every team, every zone.

The next time you respond to a hazmat call or strange odour, take your gas detector seriously. It might not be loud, it might not look flashy but it could be the smartest thing on your belt.

Fire risks and safety measures in road transport of LPG tanker trucks

By Onur Özutku, Master's Degree Mechanical Engineer, Milangaz, Türkiye

Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) plays a critical role in energy supply chains, especially in countries heavily reliant on road transportation. The widespread use of LPG in residential, industrial and automotive sectors necessitates a robust logistics network, where road tankers serve as the backbone for inland transport. However, the flammable nature of LPG introduces significant fire and explosion hazards that require careful management.

Fire incidents involving LPG road tankers, although infrequent, can have catastrophic consequences. High temperatures, intense thermal radiation and potential Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapour Explosion (BLEVE) events make such accidents particularly dangerous for both drivers and surrounding communities. These risks underscore the importance of understanding, preventing, and effectively responding to fire hazards in this sector.

This article focuses on identifying the fire risks associated with road LPG tankers and outlines the technical, procedural and regulatory safety measures implemented to mitigate these dangers. It emphasises the need for comprehensive fire

prevention strategies tailored to the unique challenges of road-based LPG transport.

Technical features of road LPG tanker trucks

Technical specifications and safety equipment of road LPG tanker trucks: Tanker trucks that transport LPG by road are designed and manufactured in accordance with national and international regulations regarding the transport of hazardous materials eg ADR - European Agreement Concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road. These transport vehicles must meet special engineering criteria in order to transport liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) safely under pressure.

a. Tank Structure and material properties:

LPG tanks used in tankers are generally cylindrical in section and horizontally positioned and are manufactured using high-strength alloy carbon steel. The tank body is tested with non-destructive testing (NDT) methods to provide resistance against both internal and external effects (radiographic testing, penetrant testing, hydrostatic testing, etc). In addition, the outer surfaces are protected with paint against corrosion.

b. Pressure relief valves (PRV): When the pressure in the tank exceeds a certain pressure set value, it automatically opens and provides a controlled discharge. Pressure safety valves are activated in over-pressure conditions such as fire or overfilling and are very critical equipment for the integrity of the tank.

c. Emergency shut-off valves (ESV): These valves, usually integrated into the tanker's bottom or inside connections of the tank, are closed remotely or automatically in the event of an accident or leak, cutting off the LPG flow. They must be closed position while the vehicle is moving on the road.

d. Level indicators: These are systems that allow the LPG level in the tank to be monitored. The level on the tank can be monitored with systems called Rochester or Rotogauge.

e. Pump and transfer systems: The pumps used during LPG transfer are mounted on the tanker and are used to supply gas to customers. Transfer hoses used during supply are special hoses resistant to LPG that comply with the relevant standards.

f. Excess flow valves: In the event of a connection line break or unexpected high flow rate, it automatically cuts off the LPG flow in the line.

Causes of fire and risk reduction methods in LPG tanker accidents

Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) tankers used in transportation pose serious safety risks because they carry highly flammable products. Traffic accidents involving these tankers are one of the most important causes of LPG-related fires. Mechanical damages that occur in such incidents can lead to leaks in the tank or pipe system where the LPG is located. Impact forces, especially in accidents, can damage the structural integrity of pipes, fittings, valves or the tank, causing the gas to spread uncontrollably into the environment. Leaking LPG starts to burn rapidly when it comes into contact with a suitable ignition source and can cause explosions.

Not only traffic accidents, but also operational errors made during the loading and unloading operations of tankers are important factors that create a fire risk. Negligence such as incorrect connections, damaged or incompatible use of hoses in these processes can cause LPG leaks. In addition, factors such as aging of equipment used in tankers, lack of regular maintenance or technical malfunctions also increase the risk of leakage and fire. Errors related to human factors, such as nonprocedural operations, carelessness or inadequate training, can further increase these risks.

In order to prevent all these risks, first of all, potential hazards and possible risk scenarios must be systematically analysed. In this context, risk assessment methods such as Hazard and Operability Analysis (HAZOP) and Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) can be used. It is of great importance to establish appropriate technical and organisational barriers against the identified risks. These barriers include safety valves and emergency shut-off valves. In addition, the implementation of periodic maintenance programmes, regular training of personnel, emergency drills and the establishment of an effective safety culture also play a critical role in minimising risks.

Fire scenarios in LPG trucks

One of the most dangerous fire scenarios encountered in LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) facilities is known as Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapour Explosion (BLEVE). BLEVE typically occurs when an LPG tank is exposed to external heat, especially fire. In such cases, the liquid LPG inside the tank rapidly vaporises, causing a sudden and dramatic increase in internal pressure. If the tank’s pressure relief systems are

inadequate or out of service, the pressure may exceed the tank’s structural limits, resulting in rupture or explosion.

The effects of a BLEVE are extremely destructive. Upon explosion, fragments of the tank are propelled at high speed into the surrounding area, causing severe injuries and secondary damage. The intense thermal radiation released after the explosion poses a fatal risk to human life and can ignite surrounding equipment and structures. Additionally, BLEVE can damage nearby tanks and facility components, triggering a domino effect that may escalate the situation.

Another critical fire scenario involves fires that occur during the transfer of LPG. These incidents are often caused by mechanical failures such as hose rupture, loosening of flange or coupling connections, seal wear, or assembly errors. Although the initial leak may appear minor, the low flash point and wide flammability limits of LPG make it highly susceptible to ignition from any spark or static discharge in the vicinity. When pressurised LPG is released and vaporises, it can ignite rapidly, resulting in a jet fire. The presence of open flames, hot surfaces, or electrical equipment near the transfer line can significantly increase the speed and intensity of fire spread.

Fires involving transportation vehicles also pose serious risks. In LPG tankers, a fire that begins in the engine compartment or one caused by overheated brake systems can quickly spread to the tank area. If the fire is not brought under control swiftly, the tank may heat up, creating the risk of a BLEVE. Such incidents present a major threat to driver safety and can have severe environmental consequences.

Emergency management for LPG tanker accidents (overturned)

The process of rescuing an LPG tanker that has been involved in a collision or has overturned is a highly dangerous undertaking. In order to ensure the safety of the individuals involved, as well as the safety of the operation, it is essential that those involved in the rescue are adequately trained, equipped and that there is effective coordination with the emergency services.

In the event of an emergency, it is imperative that the relevant authorities, namely the LPG Emergency Services, encompassing both the fire department and the police, are informed without delay. It is of the utmost importance to emphasise that the management of such incidents should be entrusted exclusively to trained professionals, as their expertise are essential in ensuring the safety.

The primary concern is invariably the safety of individuals in the vicinity.

In order to ensure the immediate security of the scene, it is imperative to implement a comprehensive evacuation protocol, encompassing all individuals within a designated safe perimeter, which is typically a minimum of 500 metres away. Furthermore, it is crucial to ensure that all ignition sources are meticulously removed from the immediate vicinity of the site, and all potential leak points on the tank are meticulously examined. The inspection process entails the use of auditory perception from a safe distance, in addition to visual confirmation of any indications such as frost or vapour clouds. In the absence of any leaks, the tanker is approached and detailed gas leak checks are conducted.

In addition, a thorough inspection of the piping and valves is imperative to ascertain the functionality of the tanker's emergency shut-off valves. It is imperative that the damage status of the tanker is thoroughly and accurately assessed, as this will inform the subsequent response actions of the emergency response team.

A series of actions must be taken prior to the tanker being returned to its standard position.

Prior to the execution of the lifting operation, it is imperative that the liquid LPG contained within the tanker be meticulously transferred to an alternative, secure tank.

Secondly, the LPG vapour contained within the tank must be transferred to an alternative tank by means of a compressor.

Concurrently, the remaining LPG gas within the tank must be inertised with nitrogen. The mobile gas flares can serve as an effective solution ıf there is safe distance. It is imperative that a comprehensive and meticulous lifting plan is devised for the overturned tank, with the objective of averting any potential damage to the tank's equipment, including pipes and valves. The overturned tanker should be transferred to a designated safe area by a rescue vehicle that is appropriately equipped for the task.

Mobile gas flare: In emergencies involving liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) truck accidents, a mobile gas flare system plays a crucial role in ensuring safety. When such accidents occur, the potential for gas leakage poses a severe threat of explosions or fires if left unattended.

To mitigate this risk, the mobile gas flare system is swiftly deployed to the accident site. Its purpose is

to safely burn off the LPG in a controlled manner, minimising the possibility of uncontrolled ignition.

This proactive measure not only safeguards emergency responders but also protects the surrounding community from potential harm.

Emergency management for LPG tanker accidents (during LPG leaks)

A leaking LPG tanker accident poses a great danger due to the highly flammable and potentially explosive nature of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). In such a critical situation, the first and foremost priority is to ensure the safety of all people in the vicinity. Since the risk of exposure to LPG vapours is serious, it is imperative to immediately evacuate the incident area and retreat to a safe distance. Evacuation areas should be determined in the opposite direction of the wind direction and the distance should be carefully adjusted according to the weather conditions and the amount of LPG released.

All ignition sources that may increase the risk of fire and explosion, such as open fire, electrical equipment and smoking, should be eliminated immediately. These precautions are vital to prevent the accident from escalating.

The use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is mandatory for all team members performing emergency intervention. The gas density of the environment should be carefully measured with gas detectors before the intervention, and only trained and equipped personnel should approach the leak.

If the source of the leak can be detected and controlled, the priority is to close the valves or isolate the damaged section with clamps or another method. The type of leak is also a critical factor; liquid LPG leaks can have a cooling effect, so special methods such as wet cloths can be used. In addition, tools that have a risk of sparking

should definitely be avoided and non-sparking equipment should be used.

In cold regions, it is generally not recommended to apply water directly to liquid LPG, because water can cause LPG to evaporate and spread more quickly. However, moistening the leak area with pulverised water can reduce the LPG concentration in the air and reduce the risk of fire.

After the leak is completely controlled, ongoing gas level monitoring in the environment should be carried out and possible risks should be followed meticulously. These comprehensive measures are essential to minimise the effects of the accident and protect human life.

Emergency management for LPG tanker accidents (during fires)

In the event of a fire involving an LPG tanker, rapid, coordinated and structured emergency response is critical to minimise risks to life, property and the environment. The first step is to immediately activate the emergency response plan and notify local fire departments, emergency services and relevant authorities. Establishing a safety perimeter around the tanker to prevent unauthorised access and protect responders from potential explosions is essential.

Firefighting efforts should focus on preventing Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapour Explosion (BLEVE) by continuously cooling the LPG tanker with large amounts of water applied to exposed surfaces. If flames are not directly impinging on the tank body, especially the vapour space, the situation is more manageable. However, if flames contact the tank body and sufficient cooling cannot be maintained, the emergency zone must be evacuated immediately, as a BLEVE could occur at any moment.

In LPG tanker fires, warning signs and time for evacuation are often minimal. Classic indicators such as bulging, discoloration, or metallic ringing may not be visible or may appear too late. BLEVE events progress very rapidly; a tank may look intact one moment and be shattered and engulfed in a fireball the next.

A critical early warning sign is the activity of the pressure relief valve (PRV or PSV). Initially, the PRV may open and close intermittently depending on where and how the fire affects the tank. If the PRV continues to cycle for a while, it may indicate limited fire exposure or that the fire has reached the liquid level both dangerous conditions. However, a PRV that remains continuously open is a severe red flag. It indicates falling LPG liquid levels, loss of internal cooling, weakening steel strength, and vapour space heating conditions that set the stage for BLEVE.

Listen also for increasing PRV noise or prolonged flames, as these signal rising internal pressure. Keep in mind, though, that in real incidents these cues can be subtle or missed entirely. The harsh reality is that there may be no second chance. When in doubt, keep a safe distance.

Emergency water ınjection of LPG leak

When something happens and you're faced with an uncontrollable liquid LPG leak you have very

Emergency response strategies must be designed with flexibility, technical competence and rapid execution in mind. From overturn accidents to vapour leaks or direct fire exposure, each emergency scenario requires a tailored and wellpracticed response.

few options. Depending on the size of the tank and the volume of the release, a liquid LPG leak can quickly create a large hazard area requiring large area evacuations, limit your ability to safely extricate trapped accident employees or identify the location of a leak. In this situation you can use water injection method ıf all conditions are proper.

Injecting water into a LPG tank is a leak management option that most responders and operators have not considered. Water injection, just like all response tactics, requires special knowledge, identified tactical objectives, the proper tools and training.

When a leak occurs in the tank, especially in the nozzle flange gasket, weld seam or valve body, the LPG leak cannot be stopped by emergency shut-off valves. In such cases, it will be necessary

to flood the tank. When water is injected into the tank, since water will move down to the bottom of the tank due to the density difference and the LPG will be displaced upwards. With this operation, the LPG leak will be replaced by a water leak. Thus, the LPG leak will be replaced by a water leak. LPG leakage will be end. While designing such a system, should be attention, the water pressure should be higher than the vapour pressure of the LPG inside the tank. Water injection is the process of forcing water into a tank using a water supply capable of producing more pressure than the LPG tank’s internal pressure.

Also a check valve should definitely be used in the water injection lines. Otherwise, LPG can flow to water line and the situation may become more dangerous.

As a result, with this method, LPG leakage can be prevented and stopped when water is injected into the tank. If there is a fire, ıt can stop fire, thus it is one of the most basic barriers that can prevent BLEVE.

Conclusion

The transportation of LPG by road tanker trucks carries inherent risks due to the highly flammable nature of the product and the complexity of operations involved. While such incidents are relatively rare, their potential consequences ranging from large-scale fires to catastrophic BLEVE events demand a rigorous and multidimensional approach to safety. Technical integrity, operational discipline and regulatory compliance must work in harmony to reduce fire-related hazards in LPG logistics.

This study demonstrates that fire scenarios in LPG tanker incidents often stem from mechanical failures, human errors, or inadequate maintenance practices. Components like pressure relief valves, emergency shut-off valves and level indicators play a pivotal role in early risk detection and mitigation. However, even with advanced safety equipment, the effectiveness of risk control measures is ultimately dependent on the human factor adequately trained personnel, emergency preparedness and situational awareness are essential to preventing escalation.

Emergency response strategies must be designed with flexibility, technical competence, and rapid execution in mind. From overturn accidents to vapour leaks or direct fire exposure, each

emergency scenario requires a tailored and wellpracticed response. Interventions such as mobile gas flaring, inerting with nitrogen and, in critical cases, water injection into tanks are powerful tools to control hazards and prevent BLEVE. These methods underscore the importance of not only preventive strategies but also active incident management capabilities.

Ultimately, the safe transportation of LPG by road hinges on a combination of engineered safety systems, proactive risk assessment and wellcoordinated emergency management. Continuous training, technological investment and knowledgesharing among stakeholders can significantly enhance the safety culture within the industry. In doing so, both operational continuity and public safety can be upheld even under the most challenging conditions.

I was born in Ankara, Türkiye in 1987. I have been living in Türkiye/Hatay for many years. I graduated from Akdeniz University in 2010 as a Mechanical Engineer and in 2012 I completed my master's degree in heat transfer and fluid mechanics at Mustafa Kemal University. I have been working as a mechanical engineer in the sector for 13 years. I worked in the field of production and manufacturing for the first three years of my profession and then for two years, I worked in project-based maintenance-repair and capacity increase works in oil and LPG terminals. I have been working at Milangaz for the last eight years. I have been working as LPG operations engineer for five years and as LPG terminal manager for five years.

About Onur Özutku

The importance of mentorship in succession planning

By Dan Reese, International Wildfire Consulting Group (IWCG) and United Aerial Firefighters Association, retired Deputy Chief, BlazeTamer380 CEO

Mentorship - how important is it? The answer depends largely on an organisation’s priorities. If succession planning isn’t a priority, mentorship might not seem critical. However, for organisations that recognise the importance of preparing for leadership transitions, whether due to promotions, retirements or career shifts, mentorship is indispensable.

In fast-paced industries like emergency services, where careers often progress quickly and turnover is high, mentorship programmes are not just beneficial, they’re essential. These environments demand a steady pipeline of wellprepared leaders who can step up when needed. Without mentorship, future leaders may find themselves ill-equipped to handle the challenges of their roles.

My experience with mentorship

As a young company officer, I vividly remember the hunger I felt for guidance. I worked in an organisation that entrusted junior officers with the immense responsibility of managing emergency incidents. While I had access to plenty of formal training courses, what I truly needed was day-to-day mentorship, someone to guide me through the complexities of leadership in real-time.

Enter Chief John Hawkins, one of the most influential figures in my career. Recognising the need for mentorship, Chief Hawkins

asked me to draft an outline for a mentorship programme, which I developed enthusiastically. The unit within the department supported this plan, marking a turning point in my professional growth. The mentorship I received was instrumental in helping me excel on promotional exams and, more importantly, in my role as a leader.

Even now, years after retiring, Chief Hawkins continues to mentor new chief officers, sharing his wealth of knowledge and experience. His willingness to invest in others highlights the progressive mindset that makes mentorship so valuable. Imagine a world where, upon promotion, new leaders weren’t simply “thrown to the wolves” but instead had a structured system of mentorship to support them.

The value of mentorship programmes

In today’s world, many highly accomplished leaders, such as retired chief officers, possess a wealth of experience to offer. These individuals can serve as mentors, sharing their knowledge and insights with the next generation of leaders. However, creating and sustaining mentorship programmes requires three key elements: leadership, funding and an innovative mindset.

Critics often debate the cost of hiring mentors or implementing mentorship programmes but I believe the better question is: How

can organisations afford not to invest in mentorship, particularly when so much is at stake?

In industries such as emergency services, the decisions made by a new officer or manager can mean the difference between life and death - for individuals, teams and entire communities. The cost of poor decision-making, due to a lack of guidance and preparation, far outweighs the investment in mentorship.

Steps to build a mentorship programme

Building a successful mentorship programme requires careful planning and commitment. The following steps can guide organisations in creating effective mentorship initiatives: 1.Leadership commitment: Organisational leaders must champion mentorship as a priority, ensuring buy-in across all levels of the organisation. 2.Programme design: Define clear goals for the programme, establish mentor-mentee pairings based on skills and

Dan Reese

needs and create metrics to evaluate success.

3.Funding and resources: Allocate resources for training mentors, providing tools to support the programme and compensating mentors (if applicable).

4.Continuous improvement: Regularly assess the programme, gather feedback from participants and refine processes to enhance effectiveness over time.

By following these steps, organisations can create mentorship programmes that provide lasting value and develop future leaders who are well-equipped to meet the challenges ahead.

Case studies: Mentorship in action

Case study 1: FDNY Officers' Mentorship Programme

The New York City Fire Department (FDNY) implemented a structured mentorship programme to prepare new officers for leadership roles. Senior officers were paired with newly promoted lieutenants to provide guidance on incident management, personnel leadership, and decision-making under pressure.

Results:

• Improved decision-making during high-stakes incidents.

• A 20 percent reduction in operational mistakes over three years.

• Higher retention rates among new officers due to stronger support systems.

Source: FDNY Leadership Academy, 2022 Report.

Case study 2: Australian Rural Fire Service (RFS)

The NSW Rural Fire Service recognised the need for mentorship in its volunteerbased structure, where leaders are often promoted rapidly during fire seasons. The RFS launched a mentorship initiative connecting retiring chief officers with emerging leaders to transfer critical knowledge.

Results:

• Enhanced readiness of new leaders to manage bushfire emergencies.

• Increased trust and collaboration between volunteers and senior staff.

• Greater community confidence in the service's ability to handle crises.

Source: NSW RFS Annual Report, 2024.

Case study 3: Corporate Leadership at General Electric (GE)

In the corporate world, GE has long been recognised for its mentorship-driven leadership pipeline. Through its Leadership Development Programme, senior executives mentor high-potential employees, focusing on strategic thinking, financial acumen, and decision-making.

Results:

• A steady stream of internal promotions to executive roles.

• 95 percent of senior leaders cited mentorship as a key factor in their career growth.

• The programme became a model for other Fortune 500 companies.

Source: Harvard Business Review, 2019.

Finding the right mentors

Of course, not everyone is suited to be a mentor. Mentorship requires more than just experience. It takes patience, passion and the ability to teach. There’s a world of difference between simply saying, “I just know,” and being able to explain the why behind a decision.

Experienced leaders often develop what some refer to as a “sixth sense,” a deeply ingrained intuition developed over years of exposure to complex situations. These leaders may not always be conscious of how they arrive at decisions, which can make it challenging for them to articulate their thought processes. A great mentor must bridge this gap, transforming their wealth of knowledge into

Chief John Hawkins was instrumental in helping me excel in my role as a leader

practical lessons for those they guide.

The justification for mentorship Organisations, departments and agencies must ask themselves: How can we justify not investing in mentorship when the stakes are so high?

Mentorship is not just about grooming successors; it’s about safeguarding the future. It ensures that new leaders have the tools, knowledge and confidence to make sound decisions. It’s about preventing mistakes that could cost lives, disrupt communities or damage organisational trust.

In my own experience, mentorship has been a cornerstone of success, both for myself and for those I’ve had the privilege to mentor. It’s a process that requires dedication, resources and the right people, but the return on investment is immeasurable.

Conclusion

Mentorship is more than a programme; it’s a commitment to the future. It’s about creating a legacy of leadership, where every generation of leaders is better prepared than the last. Whether in emergency services or any other field, mentorship programmes are not a luxury; they are a necessity.

By fostering a culture of mentorship and following a structured approach to building programmes, organisations can ensure that their leaders - present and future - are prepared to meet the challenges ahead. The decisions those leaders make could save lives, strengthen teams and build stronger communities. Isn’t that worth the investment?

About Dan Reese

Daniel Reese’s 30+ year career as a public servant, critical care nurse and wildland firefighter culminated in his role as Chief of Tactical Air Operations (TAO) for CAL FIRE, where he managed aviation training, wildland fire chemical and military programmes. With extensive boots-on-the-ground experience and leadership in CAL FIRE’s aviation organisation, Reese has been a strong advocate for innovative fire suppression technologies, including integrating very large air tankers (VLATs) into California’s aerial firefighting fleet. He also played a key role in developing the state’s first interagency helicopter night-flying policy and authored California’s Catastrophic Aviation Response Plan and Air Operations concept of operations.

Recognised with the California State Military’s Legion of Merit Medal, Reese has driven advancements in aerial firefighting and emergency response. He has collaborated with state and federal agencies, including CAL FIRE, the US Forest Service and the Office of Emergency Services, to improve coordination and operational readiness.

After retiring from public service, Reese joined Alterna Capital Partners, supporting their investment in Global SuperTanker Services, LLC, which operated the world’s largest aerial firefighting platform, a converted 747-400 with a 19 000-gallon drop capacity. In 2020, he founded the International Wildfire Consulting Group (IWCG), where he continues to champion innovation and collaboration in wildfire management.

Reese is also a founding member of the United Aerial Firefighters Association, promoting crossagency partnerships and advancing the use of cutting-edge technologies to enhance wildfire suppression efforts worldwide. His career reflects a lifelong commitment to protecting lives, property and natural resources.

References

1.FDNY Leadership Academy. (2022). Officer Mentorship Programme Report.

2.NSW Rural Fire Service. (2024). Annual Report.

3.Harvard Business Review. (2019). The GE Leadership Development Model: A Case Study.

Chief Hawkins continues to mentor new chief officers, sharing his wealth of knowledge and experience

South African voices at fEs2025: Fire knowledge rooted in landscape, culture and change

By Hannes van Zyl and Samukelisiwe Msweli, Nelson Mandela University George Campus and Prof Anna Klamerus-Iwan, University of Agriculture in Krakow

From 30 May to 8 June 2025, the coastal town of Algés, Portugal, became the epicentre of a global conversation on fire. The fEs2025 Fire in the Earth System conference brought together fire scientists, managers, community leaders and policymakers from over 40 countries. But this was no ordinary gathering of experts. It was a dynamic, interdisciplinary dialogue on how fire shapes, disrupts and regenerates both natural landscapes and human societies.

Among the most resonant voices at the conference were those from South Africa a delegation whose contributions were as grounded in ecological

science as they were in cultural wisdom and social equity.

Keynote addresses by Tiaan Pool and Izak Smit, whose insights on education, fire ecology, landscape resilience and climate adaptation framed the broader discourse. Hannes van Zyl and Tiaan Pool were honoured to serve on the scientific committee of the conference. Apart from the keynote addressed the South Africans also contributed through in person presentations were Hannes van Zyl, Samukelisiwe Msweli and Kagiso Monnahela. Eric Stoch and his team, Megan Mokwena, Juliet Chipumuro, Kamogelo Masilo, Heidi Coetzee, Luthando Sikade and Dolly Kunene,

overcame technical challenges to deliver thought provoking virtual presentations. The South African team offered a deeply contextual lens on fire: one that fused tradition with innovation and policy with lived experience.

Tradition as innovation: Reclaiming ancestral fire knowledge

Eric Stoch’s presentation, ‘From the ashes of tradition’, was a highlight of the conference. He invited participants to reconsider fire not merely as a hazard but as a tool of stewardship one long embedded in the seasonal rhythms and land practices of rural South African communities. His call to reintegrate traditional fire calendars and relational land management into contemporary fire policy sparked vibrant discussion across disciplines. He also highlighted the potential of law enforcement peace officer (LEPO) training to improve compliance and coordination in decentralised governance systems.

Fostering a sound cross-border strategy for wildfire prevention and suppression

Kagiso Monnahela addressed the complexities of cross-border fire cooperation, particularly between South Africa and Botswana. Drawing on the legacy of the erstwhile Bophuthatswana

territories, he emphasised how fostering a sound cross-border strategy for wildfire prevention and suppression is vital for integrating traditional land management practices and ecological knowledge into fire prevention and suppression efforts.

Fire as ecology: Restoring balance in the Savanna Izak Smit brought a data-rich ecological perspective to the conference, focusing on the role of fire in controlling woody encroachment in African savannas. His long-term research in Kruger National Park illustrated how targeted, high-intensity burns can restore ecological balance and preserve biodiversity. Smit’s message was clear: fire is neither inherently destructive nor benign its impact depends on how wisely it is used.

Education, inclusion and civic fire literacy

In powerful talks around the theme of “Wildfire education and training: Addressing the elephant in the room”, Tiaan, Hannes and Eric shifted the focus to people. Using vivid South African case studies, they showcased how industrial theatre, problembased learning and participatory training can transform fire awareness across age groups and social contexts.

Their work emphasised that fire education must be inclusive reaching youth, women and people with disabilities. It is not just a technical task; it is a civic responsibility rooted in empowerment and equity.

Gender, leadership and the future of fire governance

Samukelisiwe Msweli brought a vital and often underrepresented

perspective to the conference: that of gender equity and youth leadership in fire science. Her reflections underscored that fire governance is not just about operations it is about voice, power and representation. Msweli’s presence marked a generational shift, one in which African women and early-career scientists are increasingly shaping the future of fire resilience.

A global dialogue, rooted in local landscapes

Beyond national contributions, fEs2025 revealed a striking evolution in global fire discourse. Fire is no longer seen merely as a hazard to be suppressed. Across plenary sessions, workshops and field visits, participants emphasised fire’s role in soil health, carbon cycles, atmospheric chemistry and biodiversity as well as its deep entanglement with human systems.

Technological advances such as remote sensing and fire modelling were paired with long-term field studies and indigenous knowledge, pointing to a future where resilience is built through dialogue between

scales and disciplines. We hope to share some of these thoughts and experiences in future issues of Fire and Rescue International.

Looking ahead: Kruger Park 2026

The conference concluded with an exciting announcement: fEs2026 will be hosted in South Africa’s iconic Kruger National Park. This decision reflects a growing recognition that southern Africa is not just affected by fire it is a place where fire knowledge, innovation and resilience are actively evolving.

As the world prepares to gather again under the dry-season haze of Kruger, one thing is clear: the fire conversation is no longer dominated by one geography or discipline. It is collaborative, inclusive and increasingly, it is African.

The following are brief summaries of the talks given by the South African contingent.

A complete book of abstracts is available for download at link

‘Wildfire educating and training: Addressing the elephant in the room – who/what did we forget?’ by Tiaan Pool

This presentation examined the overlooked role of traditional fire management practices in contemporary wildfire education and training. Historically, communities used fire deliberately for hunting, grazing and agriculture without formal systems or training, relying on indigenous knowledge that supported ecological health. Over time, this knowledge was marginalised as climate change, population growth, political shifts and technological developments disrupted long-standing fire regimes, leading to more frequent and severe wildfires.

The presenters emphasised that scientific research has since reaffirmed the ecological value of controlled fire use, but applying this rediscovered knowledge requires coordinated efforts. They posed key questions about who should be educated and trained, who should deliver these services, what content should be included and how such programmes should be funded.

The session called on scientists, educators, fire managers and authorities to contribute their insights toward building more inclusive and effective fire management strategies.

‘Flammability of native and invasive alien plants common to the cape floristic region and beyond: Fire risk in the wildland–urban interface’ by Izak Smit

This presentation examined how vegetation changes driven by climate change, invasive species and land-use shifts affect fire regimes in South Africa’s Cape Fynbos biome. Through combustion experiments on 30 native and invasive woody species, researchers found that native thicket plants were less flammable than invasive alien species like Acacia saligna, which pose greater fire risks due to traits that promote fire spread.

The findings highlighted the importance of species-specific flammability traits in shaping fire behaviour, especially in wildlandurban interfaces. The presenters emphasised that integrating these assessments into land-use planning can help reduce fuel

loads and improve fire safety, particularly as climate change intensifies fire-prone conditions.

‘The role of high-intensity fires in managing woody encroachment in African savannas: Lessons learned’ by Izak Smit

This presentation evaluated the use of high-intensity fires as a strategy to manage woody encroachment in savannas, focusing on controlled fire treatments conducted in Kruger National Park in 2010 and 2013. Initial results showed that repeated high-intensity fires significantly reduced woody cover in the short term, especially when applied consecutively. However, this also caused substantial loss of large trees, raising concerns about longterm ecological impacts.

A decade later, follow-up surveys revealed that shrub density had increased across all fire treatments, with no lasting differences between fire intensities. Large tree mortality continued, likely due to fire and herbivory. The study concluded that while high-intensity fires offer shortterm reductions in woody cover, they are not effective in reversing encroachment over the medium term. The presenters emphasised the need for long-term monitoring, adaptive fire management and alternative strategies such as wet-season burns, while also noting the logistical challenges and importance of public communication.

‘Transforming wildfire management education: A problem-based learning approach’ by Hannes van Zyl

This presentation addressed the growing complexity of

wildfire events and the need for wildfire managers who can think critically and adapt to dynamic conditions. It argued that traditional education models, which emphasise memorisation, leave graduates ill-prepared for real-world challenges. To bridge this gap, the presentation highlighted the integration of problem-based learning (PBL) into wildfire management training, using the FOREST21 project as a case study. Cofunded by the Erasmus+ Programme, FOREST21 ran from 2020 to 2024 and involved five South African higher education institutions and three European partners. The project aimed to reform forestry education by promoting student-centred learning, entrepreneurial thinking and climate-smart strategies.

Through international collaboration and real-world challenges, FOREST21 fostered active knowledge creation and aligned forestry education with industry needs and South Africa’s climate adaptation goals. The presentation showcased how PBL helped prepare students for the unpredictable nature of wildfire scenarios by developing analytical reasoning and resilience. It also shared insights from educator workshops and student field challenges, emphasising that PBLdriven education can better equip graduates to address climate change, support sustainability and create economic opportunities in the forestry sector.

‘Flammability of native and invasive alien plants common to the Cape floristic region and beyond: fire risk in the wildland–urban interface’ by Samukelisiwe Msweli

This presentation investigated

how changes in vegetation caused by biological invasions, climate change and landuse transitions affect fire regimes in Mediterranean-type ecosystems, focusing on South Africa’s Cape Fynbos biome. In 2018, researchers conducted combustion experiments on branches from 30 native and invasive woody species to assess flammability traits such as combustibility, ignitability and consumability. The results revealed that native thicket species, with higher moisture and coarser plant material, were less flammable than native fynbos and invasive alien plants like Acacia saligna, which showed traits that increase fire spread potential.

Using principal component analysis, the study identified key plant traits influencing flammability and emphasised the importance of species selection in shaping fire-prone landscapes. These findings were presented as especially relevant for managing wildlandurban interfaces, where strategic vegetation planning can reduce fuel loads and fire

risks. The presenters argued that integrating flammability assessments into land-use planning is vital for building resilient, fire-safe communities, particularly as climate change intensifies drought and extreme fire weather.

‘Fostering a sound crossborder strategy for wildfire prevention and suppression: A regional imperative involving the Northern Cape and North West Province (South Africa) and Botswana, with special reference to the Erstwhile Bophuthatswana and Tribal Authorities’ by Kagiso Monnahela

This presentation addressed the escalating threat of wildfires across a contiguous region spanning the Northern Cape, North West Province of South Africa and Botswana. It emphasised the need for a unified cross-border strategy, given the shared climatic conditions, vegetation types and wind patterns that enable fires to spread rapidly across political boundaries. Central to this strategy is the active involvement of Tribal Authorities, particularly Tswana

communities whose cultural and social ties span all three regions. Their participation is vital for integrating traditional land management practices and ecological knowledge into fire prevention and suppression efforts.

The presentation proposed the formation of cross-border fire protection association (FPA) clusters, governed in partnership with tribal authorities, to facilitate coordinated fire risk assessments, resource sharing and localised fire management plans. It also called for the establishment of joint regional fire management fora involving disaster management centres, municipalities, conservation bodies and agricultural organisations from both countries. Key components included collaborative early warning systems, culturally tailored public awareness campaigns and joint funding mechanisms to support training, peace officer deployment and operational capacity. By strengthening cross-border cooperation and empowering local communities, the

strategy aims to enhance wildfire resilience across this ecologically and culturally interconnected landscape.

‘Igniting resilience: Youth, women and people with disabilities at the forefront of fire-affected rangeland restoration in the North West Province, South Africa’ by Megan Mokwena

This presentation focused on the restoration and rehabilitation of fire-affected rangelands in South Africa’s North West Province, emphasising their importance for livestock farming, biodiversity conservation and rural livelihoods. It highlighted the increasing vulnerability of these landscapes due to recurrent wildfires, climate change and land degradation and stressed the need for inclusive, community-driven approaches. The research underscored the vital role of youth, women and people with disabilities including the deaf community in fostering long-term sustainability, drawing on generations of local land management knowledge disrupted by overgrazing and invasive species.

The North West Umbrella Fire Protection Association (NWUFPA) was presented as a key driver of collaborative restoration efforts, partnering with emerging farmers, CPA leadership, village councils, commercial farmers and protected area representatives. Through training and capacitybuilding programmes, including four current projects involving 30 youth participants each, NWUFPA empowers marginalised groups to lead rehabilitation initiatives. Despite progress, challenges such as limited resources and bureaucratic hurdles persist. The presentation called for integrated policy reforms and stronger partnerships to support community-based conservation, advocating for holistic frameworks that blend traditional practices with modern techniques to revitalise rangelands and enhance climate resilience.

‘Reversing desert encroachment in the North West Province of South Africa’ by Kamogelo Masilo This presentation showcased ‘Restoring the Balance’, a landscape restoration initiative led by the North West Umbrella Fire Protection Association (NWUFPA) in response to desertification driven by climate change and land degradation in South Africa’s North West Province. The programme integrates ecological restoration with community development, using indigenous and fruit-bearing trees such as Marula, Baobab, Spekboom and Wild Olive alongside mango, citrus and fig trees to stabilise soil, improve microclimates and support biodiversity. Native grassland rehabilitation complements tree planting, creating multi-layered ecosystems

that enhance grazing opportunities and promote environmental resilience.

Beyond ecological benefits, the initiative addresses socioeconomic needs by providing nutritional security, income through fruit production, sustainable grazing and managed wood harvesting.

NWUFPA’s approach includes fire management training, water conservation strategies and education in sustainable land practices like rotational grazing. By combining environmental restoration with community empowerment, the programme offers a replicable model for arid regions worldwide. The presentation emphasised how integrating traditional conservation methods with modern resource management can restore degraded landscapes while fostering greener, more prosperous futures.

‘From the ashes of tradition: Reclaiming South African fire management techniques for modern application’ by Luthando Sikade His presentation explored a ground-breaking partnership between the North West Umbrella Fire Protection Association (NWUFPA) and the North West Provincial House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, aimed at integrating indigenous fire management knowledge into modern wildfire strategies. In response to escalating fire threats and declining government support, NWUFPA established a joint committee in 2021 to document traditional burning practices, seasonal indicators and cultural fire protocols. This repository now guides prescribed burning

schedules across diverse ecosystems in the province.

Through a comprehensive training programme developed with traditional knowledge holders, NWUFPA certified over 60 instructors who blend scientific and indigenous approaches to fire management. These trainers support 20 fire protection associations, forming a decentralised network that has significantly reduced wildfire incidents by 47.5 percent between 2021 and 2024 in areas using the integrated model. Community-based fire teams, including elders and youth, apply traditional techniques alongside modern safety standards. The presentation highlighted this collaboration as a resilient and culturally grounded framework that not only preserves heritage but strengthens fire management capacity in the face of climate change and institutional limitations.

‘Seasonal burning wisdom: Lessons from South African traditional communities for contemporary wildfire prevention’ by Dolly Kunene

This presentation examined the fire management practices of South Africa’s Tswana communities and traditional commercial (boer) farmers, highlighting the ecological sophistication embedded in their indigenous knowledge systems. The Tswana people historically practiced mosaic burning aligned with seasonal cues such as rainfall, vegetation cycles and wildlife behaviour, using early dry-season burns to create strategic firebreaks along natural features. Similarly, boer farmers developed the “brandpad” system, using roads and railway lines as anchors for controlled burns, effectively integrating infrastructure into fire management strategies.

Both systems emphasised seasonal timing, landscapebased firebreaks and community coordination, viewing fire as a tool for ecological balance rather than a threat. The presentation contrasted these approaches with modern suppression policies that often lead to hazardous fuel build-up. It advocated for policy reform that

reintroduces seasonal burning calendars, expands strategic firebreaks and engages communities in fire planning. By integrating traditional practices into contemporary wildfire management, South Africa can build more resilient and sustainable fire strategies amid growing climate challenges.

‘Shrinking windows: the impact of changing weather patterns on firebreak preparation in grassland ecosystems’ by Heidi Coetzee This presentation explored the growing challenges of fire management in South Africa’s grassland ecosystems, focusing on the shrinking window for prescribed burning and firebreak preparation due to climate change. Irregular rainfall, prolonged droughts, rising temperatures and increased wind speeds have significantly reduced the number of viable days for controlled burns, threatening biodiversity and conservation efforts. The North West Umbrella Fire Protection Association (NWUFPA) reported an 87-day extension in the fire season, underscoring

the urgency of adapting fire strategies to shifting climatic conditions.

To address these challenges, fire management teams are integrating advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, predictive modelling and satellite observation to improve firebreak planning and forecasting. Traditional ecological knowledge remains central to decision-making and collaboration among landowners, conservationists, FPAs and government agencies is vital. The presentation emphasised the need for evolving regulatory frameworks and proactive, integrated approaches to fire management that balance ecosystem health with wildfire prevention. By combining modern tools with communitybased practices, South Africa can protect biodiversity and build resilience in increasingly fireprone landscapes.

‘Bridging the enforcement gap: Law enforcement peace officer (LEPO) training as a catalyst for environmental compliance in South Africa’ by Eric Stoch This presentation proposed the strategic use of law enforcement peace officer (LEPO) training to strengthen the enforcement of environmental legislation in South Africa, with a focus on the National Veldfire Act, No. 101 of 1998. While the Act assigns responsibilities to landowners and promotes fire protection associations (FPAs), enforcement remains inconsistent, especially on state-owned land. By equipping FPA personnel and community members including those from traditional leadership structures with LEPO accreditation, a

more localised and proactive enforcement model can be established to fill the current gaps left by inactive state entities.

The North West Umbrella Fire Protection Association (NWUFPA) was presented as a model for piloting this approach, given its inclusive fire management framework. The initiative includes a proposed Notice of Compliance mechanism to formally inform non-compliant landowners and government bodies of their legal obligations. Supported by enhanced training through Nelson Mandela University, this model aims to improve compliance, reduce veldfire incidents and promote environmental stewardship. The presentation argued that this integrated enforcement strategy could serve as a national blueprint, compelling greater accountability from municipalities and government departments.

‘Cultural fire stewardship: Bridging indigenous knowledge and modern fire management systems in South Africa’ by Eric Stoch

This presentation explored the traditional fire management practices of the amaNdebele under King Mabhoko III in Mpumalanga and Gauteng, alongside those of Eastern Cape communities near Port Alfred, Port Elizabeth and George. It highlighted how these culturally rooted techniques such as “isivande” protective burning and “ukuvuselelwa” renewal burning were intricately tied to agricultural cycles, lunar phases and ecological indicators. In the Eastern Cape, mosaic

burning based on seasonal cues like Protea flowering and bird migration helped maintain biodiversity in fynbos ecosystems, reflecting deep ecological knowledge passed down through generations.

The North West Umbrella Fire Protection Association (NWUFPA) was presented as a successful model for integrating traditional fire knowledge with modern fire science. Through community fire committees and documentation initiatives, NWUFPA has created a regional knowledge repository that informs prescribed burning schedules and validates indigenous expertise. The presentation proposed expanding this model nationally to establish regional fire knowledge networks that combine indigenous wisdom with scientific monitoring. This approach offers a powerful strategy for building climate-resilient landscapes while supporting cultural revitalisation and more effective wildfire management.

‘industrial theatre as a tool for enhancing fire management awareness in disadvantaged communities: Focus on disabled youth and populations with an educational backlog’ by Eric Stoch

This presentation examined the use of Industrial Theatre as an innovative and inclusive communication tool for fire management awareness in disadvantaged communities, particularly among disabled youth and individuals with limited formal education.

Traditional fire safety education often relies on written or digital materials, which can exclude

vulnerable populations. In contrast, Industrial Theatre rooted in labour education and social activism uses visual storytelling, tactile demonstrations and culturally resonant narratives to convey fire safety messages in accessible and engaging ways.

A mixed-methods study conducted in three communities showed a 68 percent increase in fire safety knowledge retention compared to conventional methods, with the greatest gains among youth with hearing and cognitive disabilities. By involving community members as performers and tailoring content to local realities, the approach fostered authenticity and social inclusion. The presentation concluded that Industrial Theatre offers a powerful, democratised learning environment for fire education, though challenges remain around funding, performer training and integration with broader safety infrastructure. A proposed framework emphasised community

co-creation, accessibility and measurable outcomes as essential for replicating success in similar settings.

‘Fighting fire with fire: the Stoch Kalahari Formation in practice: A collaboration between the North West Umbrella Fire Protection Association and Stenden University (South Africa)’ by Juliet Chipumuro This presentation introduced the Stoch Kalahari Formation, a fire management methodology developed through collaboration between the North West Umbrella Fire Protection Association (NWUFPA), traditional leadership structures, farmers’ associations and Stenden University’s Disaster Management Programme. Tailored for drought-prone and under-resourced regions of Southern Africa, the approach integrates indigenous fire practices such as rotational grazing burns and mosaic burning with modern fire science to reduce wildfire risks and restore degraded ecosystems. It is designed to serve the North West Province’s four million

residents across 10.5 million hectares, using minimal water and equipment, making it ideal for arid environments.

Students from Stenden University participate through Design-Based Education internships, applying theoretical knowledge in real-world fire management under NWUFPA mentorship. Scientific research within the programme includes fire behaviour modelling, soil and vegetation response analysis and biodiversity impact assessments. The findings confirm that combining indigenous knowledge with structured fire management enhances ecological resilience and supports sustainable land use. The presentation emphasised the importance of collaborative governance and proposed policy reforms to formally integrate traditional fire practices into modern regulatory frameworks, offering a scalable model for adaptive fire management in vulnerable regions.

‘From ancestral practice to modern solution: NWUFPA's pyric herbivorism safeguarding North West's livestock, game and eco-tourism’ by Eric Stoch The presentation, showcased its successful revitalisation of pyric herbivorism an ecological strategy that harnesses the interaction between fire and grazing animals to manage fuel loads and enhance landscape resilience. Through collaborative partnerships with tribal authorities, commercial farmers and subsistence producers, NWUFPA reintroduced controlled burning practices rooted in indigenous knowledge, aligning them with modern fire science. This approach proved

particularly effective in the bushveld-dominated North West Province, where safeguarding rangelands is critical to livestock production, game management and eco-tourism. By integrating traditional fire protocols into community-centred fire governance, NWUFPA preserved cultural heritage while improving ecological outcomes.

The presentation highlighted how NWUFPA’s stakeholderinclusive model transformed fire management from a topdown service into a participatory strategy. Incentive programmes encouraged commercial landowners to rotate livestock and game through recently burned areas, while technical support helped align grazing schedules with burn operations. Capacity-building initiatives empowered smaller-scale farmers to adopt controlled grazing, resulting in reduced unplanned fires, improved forage quality and diminished invasive species. Preliminary data supported the effectiveness of pyric herbivorism in enhancing ecosystem services and resilience. The presentation concluded by positioning NWUFPA’s model as a scalable solution for drought-prone regions seeking to balance ecological sustainability, economic viability and cultural continuity.

‘Indigenous knowledge systems: Mapping traditional fire management practices of South African first nations’ by Eric Stoch The presentation detailed a comprehensive threeyear ethnographic study that explored traditional fire management practices across

five indigenous South African communities: the Khoi-San, amaXhosa, Venda, Zulu and Ndebele. Researchers conducted interviews with elders, participatory mapping and seasonal field observations to uncover region-specific fire techniques tied to ecological indicators such as flowering cycles, migratory birds and celestial events. The study revealed complex multiyear fire rotation systems that promoted biodiversity through patch-mosaic burning. Communities demonstrated advanced knowledge of fire behaviour, employing methods like backing fires, night burns and seasonal timing to manage vegetation and reduce wildfire risk. Fire was deeply embedded in cultural and subsistence systems, serving roles in grazing rotation, wild harvesting and spiritual ceremonies.

The presentation emphasised how colonial and modern land policies had marginalised these practices, contributing to the rise of destructive mega-fires. In response, the researchers proposed a framework to reintegrate indigenous fire knowledge into contemporary fire governance. This included community-led seasonal burning programmes, incorporation of traditional techniques into formal training, establishment of cross-cultural fire forums and creation of demonstration sites for scientific validation. By revalidating indigenous fire wisdom, the study offered a pathway to more resilient, culturally inclusive fire management systems that address both ecological and climate challenges.

5 th Fire in the

Dates: 4-6th November 2026

Kruger Park, South-Africa

Pre -and Post conference excursions (2 -3/7-10th November 2026)

FIRE DYNAMICS & FIRE RISK MANAGEMENT

FIRE EFFECTS ON ATMOSFERA, BIOTA, SOIL & WATER

FIRE IN SOCIETY (SOCIO-ECONOMIC, HISTORICAL, GEOGRAPHICAL & POLITICAL PERCEPTION)

POST-FIRE LAND MANAGEMENT APPROACHES

Fire-smart futures: Nelson Mandela University students explore wildfire management in the Southern Cape

By Sandisiwe Langman, Advanced Diploma Forestry Students, Nelson Mandela University

As part of our Advanced Diploma in Forestry at Nelson Mandela University, we recently embarked on a field excursion to the Mossel Bay region to explore fire management practices in ecologically sensitive and high-risk areas.

Guided by our lecturers, Mr Hannes van Zyl and Mr Tiaan Pool, we had the privilege of engaging with Mr Charl Wade

from the Southern Cape Fire Protection Association (SCFPA).

The visit offered us a first-hand look at how collaborative fire management strategies are implemented on the ground, particularly in the Hartenbos Landgoed estate and the Hartland lifestyle and retirement estates near Hartenbos.

This experience not only enriched our academic understanding but

"This field excursion was more than an academic exercise; it was an eye-opening experience that underscored the complexity of wildfire management in the Southern Cape."

also highlighted the real-world challenges and innovations involved in protecting lives, property and biodiversity in the Southern Cape.

The role of the Southern Cape Fire Protection Association

The SCFPA plays a vital role in coordinating wildfire risk reduction across the region. Operating under the National Veld and Forest Fire Act (Act 101 of 1998), the association brings together landowners, municipalities and conservation bodies to implement proactive fire management strategies. These include maintaining firebreaks, controlling vegetation, conducting prescribed burns and promoting community awareness and training. Mr Wade emphasised that the SCFPA’s work is not just about fire suppression it’s about building resilience. In areas like Mossel Bay, which attract high volumes of tourists and feature diverse ecosystems, fire management must balance ecological integrity with public safety and aesthetic appeal.

Hartland Estates: A model of fire-smart planning

Our visit to the Hartland Lifestyle and Retirement Estates revealed how fire-smart principles are being applied in practice.

Nestled between coastal vegetation and urban development, the estate presents a unique set of fire risks and opportunities. The proximity to the ocean offers a natural firebreak but also introduces challenges such as strong coastal winds that can drive fires inland. It is also an access opportunity for the public to access the

area and cause fires. Onsite, we observed active fire management strategies including the removal of invasive species to reduce fuel loads, the preservation of indigenous fynbos to maintain ecological balance and the strategic layout of infrastructure to facilitate firefighting access. Buffer zones have been established around residential areas to slow the spread of fire and protect homes. These measures are designed not only to safeguard residents but also to support the long-term health of the landscape.

Firebreaks and natural defences

Firebreaks are a cornerstone of wildfire management in the Southern Cape. On the estate, we saw how these cleared strips of land serve multiple purposes: they slow the advance of wildfires, provide access routes for suppression teams and create defensible space around homes and infrastructure. Mr Wade explained that firebreaks are often integrated with natural features such as rivers, roads and the coastline. Wind direction, slope and vegetation type are all considered when planning these barriers.

In the wildland-urban interface, where homes meet natural vegetation, such planning is essential to prevent catastrophic fire events. He also stressed that fire management plans should not merely be desktop studies they must be realistic and implementable. In areas where prescribed burning may not be feasible due to air quality regulations or the complexities of urban environments,

alternative strategies must be considered to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Prescribed burning:

Fuel reduction with ecological benefits

One of the most fascinating aspects of the excursion was learning about prescribed burning. In fire-adapted ecosystems like the fynbos, periodic fire is not only natural it’s necessary. Controlled burns help reduce accumulated fuelloads, prevent high-intensity wildfires and stimulate the regeneration of native plant species. These burns are conducted under strict environmental and safety protocols, often with SCFPA oversight.

Timing, weather conditions and ecological sensitivity are all carefully considered. The goal is to mimic natural fire cycles while minimising risk to people and property. However, as Mr Wade pointed out, prescribed burning is not always practical in every setting. Urban interface areas and regions with strict air quality controls require alternative approaches, reinforcing the need for adaptable and site-specific fire management plans.

Lessons learned:

A holistic approach to fire management

This field excursion was more than an academic exercise it was an eye-opening experience that underscored the complexity of wildfire management in the Southern Cape. We saw how fire-smart planning requires collaboration between stakeholders, integration of ecological knowledge, adaptation to local terrain and climate

and ongoing education and community engagement. The Hartland estates, supported by the SCFPA, exemplify how proactive fire management can safeguard both human lives and natural heritage. As future forestry professionals, we left

inspired by the dedication and innovation we witnessed.

Acknowledgements and final thoughts

We extend our sincere thanks to Mr Charl Wade of the Southern Cape Fire Protection Association

for sharing his expertise and to the Hartenbos Landgoed estate and the Hartland Lifestyle and Retirement Estates for hosting us.

Special appreciation also goes to our lecturers, Mr Hannes van Zyl and Mr Tiaan Pool, for facilitating this invaluable learning opportunity.

In a world increasingly affected by climate change and urban expansion, fire management is no longer optional, it’s essential.

The Southern Cape is leading the way with integrated, science-based approaches that protect both people and the planet. As students at Nelson Mandela University, we are proud to have witnessed these efforts and look forward to contributing to fire-smart futures in our own careers.

Numerous spot fires over the fireline

By Chief Tim Murphy, US Forest Service Africa Disaster Management Technical Advisor

There are few Watchout Situations that state more clearly how much potential your fire has for rapid, uncontrolled growth, than Watchout #4: ‘Frequent spot fires occurring over the fireline’.

Consider the following questions if you are getting spot fires across your line:

• Can you handle increased spotting? List some ways you can keep ahead of spot fires (gridding the green, lookouts, etc.)

• What is your probability of ignition doing? Is it increasing or decreasing?

• Do you have a plan for longrange spotting?

• In what fuel type and under what conditions will you likely have long-range spotting?

• What types of plans can you think of for handling longrange spotting?

• Is help available if necessary?

• What kinds of resources will you have in place or order to handle spot fires?

• If fire behaviour increases, is your position still defensible?

• Discuss what type of action you might take if a spot fire takes off. Do you have more than one safety zone in case one gets cut off? Describe how you might have multiple safety zones.

• Do the primary lookouts have a good view of the situation? Discuss who might be acting as a lookout eg, crew member, air resources, etc and how you

will get good information from that person. Are you relying on an air attack that is busy with bombers?

• Where are you in the burning period? Talk about how your tactics may vary from finding spot fires early in the day to later into the evening.

Review Probability of Ignition (PIG) and what it can tell you about spotting potential. To reduce the risk, be ready to retreat. Keep your guard up even if spotting has not occurred for a few hours. Review fires where

you have had frequent spot fires and what you learned about controlling them.

Chief Tim Murphy

Perceptions, experiences and challenges of physical activity among firefighters with coronary heart disease risk factors in the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services

By Ghaleelullah Achmat, Makhaya Malema, Charlene Erasmus, Jill Kanaley and Lloyd Leach

This is the second of a series of articles on the research done by Ghaleelullah Achmat and Makhaya Malema, Department of Sport, Recreation and Exercise Science, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa; Charlene Erasmus, Child and Family studies Unit, Department of Social Work, University of the Western Cape, South Africa and Jill Kanaley, Department of Nutrition and Exercise Physiology, University of Missouri, US and Lloyd Leach, Department of Sport Recreation and Exercise Science, University of the Western Cape, South Africa, first published by BMJ.

Introduction

The progression of atherosclerosis among firefighters is influenced by cardiovascular risk factors, which include tobacco use, an unhealthy diet and physical inactivity.

These factors collectively contribute to obesity, elevated blood pressure (hypertension), abnormal blood lipids (dyslipidaemia) and elevated blood glucose (diabetes). Persistent exposure to these risk factors increases the likelihood of further atherosclerosis progression, resulting in the obstruction of blood flow to vital organs such as the heart and the

brain. Consequently, the primary cause of on-duty fatalities in the fire service is sudden cardiac death. Previous investigations indicate that deaths attributed to cardiovascular disease (CVD) account for 30 to 49 percent of the total on-duty deaths occurring annually. CVD stands as the leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally, characterized by key risk factors known as coronary heart disease risk factors (CHDRFs).

These factors encompass a sedentary lifestyle, type 2 diabetes (T2D), obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, cigarette smoking, advancing age and a family history of heart disease. The spectrum of CVD includes various conditions, such as arrhythmias, dilated, hypertrophic or idiopathic cardiomyopathies, heart failure, and atherosclerosis. These conditions, if left unchecked, can lead to potentially fatal cardiac events such as stroke, myocardial infarction (heart attack), and cardiac arrest.

Extensive research on the prevention of cardiovascular risk factors reveals that firefighters with coronary heart disease (CHD) often lack awareness of their own personal risks and understanding of appropriate

lifestyle changes. Understanding the factors influencing behavioural modification is crucial for firefighters with health risks. Ensuring employee well-being is a fundamental responsibility of employers and legislation in South Africa mandates a conducive work environment for the health and safety of employees. Work guidelines serve as measures implemented by employers to enhance productivity, performance and output. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Policy underscores the importance of addressing cardio- vascular health issues among firefighters.

Some incumbent firefighters lack the minimum exercise tolerance considered necessary to safely perform the demanding tasks within their line of duty. A significant factor contributing to the high risk of heart attacks among firefighters could be insufficient on-duty exercise or neglect of physical activity (PA) at home.

Failing to meet the recommended 150 minutes of physical activity in a week increases the health risk behaviour of firefighters and contributes to the development of CHDs.

These health risk behaviours jeopardise public safety, emphasising the importance of assisting firefighters in adopting behavioural lifestyle modifications. This effort aims to prevent loss of life, protect public assets and limit property damage. Conflict between managing work and engaging in PA can often lead to stress and may further elevate the risk of CHD.

Firefighters operate in extreme conditions, facing environmental heat exposure, including high ambient temperatures, while wearing protective clothing, which is a significant concern in firefighting. Heat stress not only poses hazards to the cardiovascular system but can also accentuate muscle fatigue and overexertion. Engaging in physical activities offers benefits in the fire service by stimulating the production of endorphins, enhancing mood, serving as a natural pain reliever, and reducing stress hormone levels such as adrenaline and cortisol. Regular participation in physical activity induces physiological adaptations, impacting areas such as stroke volume, resting heart rate, blood pressure and cardiac output.

These adaptations lead to improvements in cardiorespiratory and musculoskeletal performance, ultimately enhancing individuals’ health-related quality of life (HRQoL).

The Fire Brigade Services Act: White Paper on Fire Services (2020) makes it obligatory for fire services to implement and maintain employee wellness programmes that will address the physical fitness and mental health needs of fire services staff in a professional manner. As legislation is open to interpretation by individuals in the fire services, comparisons across management levels are beneficial for identifying common problems and successes that could be implemented nationally.

The current research, therefore, draws on perspectives of firefighters from lower, middle and top management to evaluate

current perceptions, experiences and challenges and examples of best practices for developing their physical activities for firefighters with coronary heart diseases.

1.1. Problem statement

Firefighters encounter hazardous occupational conditions at high levels of strenuous exertion and are expected to have good physical fitness. The prevalence of coronary heart disease continues to increase due to an easily accessible Western lifestyle adopted in developing countries. Western diet and sedentary living have caused a significant adverse impact on the health status of the population from which firefighters are recruited.

The extreme physical, environmental, emotional and mental stress of firefighting places on human physiology, particularly the cardiovascular system, thus increasing the medical costs in the fire service. Many firefighters have one or more modifiable CHD risk factors for cardiovascular disease and only modest aerobic capacity. The leading cause of line-of-duty death among US firefighters, a sudden cardiac event accounts for almost half of all fatalities, with 90 percent of these caused by coronary heart disease. Furthermore, to counteract these mortalities and morbidities, the WHO recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity throughout the week. However, many firefighters do not meet the recommended fitness levels based on cardiovascular and metabolic demands and it remains unclear why a substantial portion of firefighters do not meet the World Health Organisation's physical activity (PA) recommendations.

Therefore, this study will contribute to a better understanding of the perceptions, experiences and challenges of physical activity for firefighters with coronary heart disease risk factors in the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services.

1.2. Aim

This study aimed to explore and describe the perceptions, experiences and challenges of physical activity for firefighters with coronary heart disease risk factors in the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services.

2. Literature review

2.1. Benefits of physical activity for firefighters living with coronary heart disease Firefighting is a demanding profession that requires both physical fitness and mental resilience. A pivotal approach to enhancing physical fitness among firefighters involves engaging in regular physical activity, offering numerous health benefits, including the mitigation of chronic conditions associated with CHD. This includes reducing inflammation indicators, enhancing metabolic well-being, decreasing the chances of heart failure and contributing to better overall longevity. Engaging in physical activities induces adaptations in the heart and vascular system, ultimately resulting in enhanced cardiovascular function. Consistent physical exercise results in a reduction in resting heart rate, blood pressure and markers of atherosclerosis. Simultaneously, it promotes physiological cardiac hypertrophy by influencing skeletal muscle, liver and adipose tissue.

Additionally, it improves overall metabolic health, thereby

reducing the incidence of T2D by enhancing glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity and decreasing circulating lipid concentrations. Physical activity increases the amount of blood circulating, thereby enhancing the health and function of blood vessels. Firefighters who exercise regularly have more flexible blood vessels and improved blood flow.

Therefore, during periods of high stress (like fire operations), those with healthier blood vessels and lower blood pressure will respond better and are less likely to have a cardiac incident. Consistent engagement in physical activities promotes physical exercise, leading to a decrease in resting heart rate, blood pressure and detrimental markers linked to CVD. Moreover, it fosters beneficial cardiac muscle growth, enhances myocardial perfusion and elevates levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Collectively, these effects alleviate the burden on the heart, resulting in improved overall cardiovascular health for individuals regardless of whether they are healthy or affected by underlying conditions.

Additionally, physical activity contributes to the reduction and management of risk factors associated with heart disease, including high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels and obesity. Furthermore, physical activity has been shown to improve cardiac risk factors such as blood pressure, cardiovascular fitness, flexibility and body fat percentage, as indicated by multiple research studies. This is particularly crucial for firefighters who regularly face sleep deprivation and high-stress situations, as regular physical

activity plays a significant role in mitigating stress levels.

2.2. Physical activity for firefighters living with coronary heart disease

For firefighters with CHD, engaging in physical activities that are safe and tailored to their health conditions is crucial. Before initiating any exercise program, individuals need to consult with their medical doctor to obtain medical clearance. Pre-exercise screening serves to identify firefighters with medical conditions that may pose a higher risk of experiencing health problems during physical activities. Biokineticists, sports scientists and healthcare providers can play a vital role in assisting firefighters by promoting healthy lifestyle modifications through education and prescribing appropriate physical activities. The WHO encompasses physical activity as any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that requires energy expenditure. The movements include three different activity expenditure levels, ie low, moderate and vigorous intensity. Light activity+ is less than 3.0 METs and less than 3.5 calories per minute.

The examples of light physical activities include walking slowly (for example, shopping or walking around the fire station), sitting at a computer, making the bed, eating, preparing food, and washing dishes. The moderate activity+ is less than 3.0 to 6.0 METS between 3.5 to 7.0 calories per minute. The examples of moderate physical activities include sweeping the floor, walking briskly, slow dancing, vacuuming, washing windows and shooting a basketball. The vigorous

activity+ is greater than 6.0 METS and more than 7.0 calories per minute. The examples of vigorous physical activities include running (faster than 5mph/8.04kph), swimming, shovelling, soccer, jumping rope and carrying heavy loads such as bricks.

2.3. Firefighters' experiences and challenges of physical activity

The physical health of firefighters is an essential part of the firefighting function and often needs to be improved. However, physical stressors lead to a physiological response that can result in either a positive or negative adaptation. Several sources of stress, such as physical strain, physical exhaustion and altered circadian cycle, have been identified as impacting the physical health of firefighters.

Further studies suggest the biggest obstacle cited by firefighters was the risk of being in the middle of training or just finishing a workout when a call comes in and being too tired to perform occupational tasks to one's full potential.

Firefighters indicated that handson training is an important factor because it helps them improve their stamina. Resources available in the workplace, such as a gym, nutritional advice for weight control and fitness programmes, were also cited as beneficial.

Firefighters who experienced CVD and had sedentary lifestyles were uncertain about the types of physical activities to do and how best to target coronary heart diseases with health promotion interventions. The lack of selfmotivation and ambivalence was highly influenced by the firehouse culture and are frequently reported

deterrents to exercise among firefighters. Ras et al. (2023) reported that firefighters with a positive attitude toward physical activity were motivated to increase their overall health. In addition, firefighters experienced negative food cultures such as fatty foods increasing levels of adiposity, hypertension and dyslipidaemia with high sugar diets further negatively impacting nutrition and obesity in the fire service.

One prominent challenge at the departmental level is the lack of funding and wellness programme partnerships with healthcare facilities and universities. The perception of certain fire and rescue department training policy guidelines varied greatly as some firefighters thought they were clear, others thought they were unclear; however, some firefighters thought they did not exist at all.

Firefighters may be exposed to and experience workplace stress as a result of additional perceived challenges or threats at work. They may also be at a higher risk of developing certain diseases, which, if left undiagnosed, can result in devastating consequences like

heart attacks or strokes that can negatively impact their physical and mental health. According to Smith et al., acute myocardial infarction (AMI) or stroke accounts for approximately 17 nonfatal events for each duty-related sudden cardiac death (SCD). Thirty percent of the firefighters in their study had hypertension and thirty percent had prehypertension.

3. Method

3.1. Research design

This study employed a qualitative approach to explore the perceptions, experiences and challenges of physical activity among firefighters with CHD in the City of Cape Town. The exploratory design was selected to (a) identify factors that have not yet been addressed in the peer-reviewed literature and (b) allow the voice of firefighters to be heard to gather in-depth insights into problems and generate new ideas for research.

3.2. Sample size and sampling technique

Permission to conduct the research study was obtained from the Human and Social Sciences Research Ethics

Committee of the University of the Western Cape as well as from the Chief Fire Officer of the Department of the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services. Purposive sampling was used to seek a sample comprising municipal firefighters (operations level), captains/platoon station /commanders (middle management) and the chief fire officer/district commander (high-level management) with experiences of low levels of physical activity and CHDRF.

The Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services consist of 32 fire stations in four districts, serving a population of 4 618 million people and covering an area of 2 455 square kilometres or 948 square miles. The sample for the nine voluntary interviews with full-time career firefighters discussions consisted of three municipal firefighters (operations level), three divisional/station/ platoon commanders/ captains (middle management) and three chief firefighter/district commander firefighters (highlevel management) ranging between 18 to 65 years of age.

Data collection continued until saturation was achieved, which is when sufficient data has been collected to draw the necessary conclusions, and further data collection is unlikely to yield additional valuable insights. The transcripts returned to participants for comment and/or correction.

3.3.

Inclusion and

exclusion criteria

The participants were eligible for inclusion if they met the following criteria: (1) served as a municipal firefighter (operations level), captain/station/ platoon commander (middle

management) and/or chief fire officer/district commander (highlevel management); (2) were full-time career firefighters; (3) had one or more coronary heart disease risk factors (CHDRF); (4) were 18 years or older and (5) were actively working in the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services. Conversely, the participants were excluded if they did not have any CHDRFs.

3.4. Data collection and procedures

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted daily routines, imposing lockdowns and social distancing measures that hindered face-to-face data collection. The online interviews were conducted with nine participants from three fire departments in the City of Cape Town for firefighters with CHDRF, lasting 45-60min. The data collection period was between December 2021 and February 2022. A scripted interview was prepared for the interviews with validated questions after the pilot study.

3.5. Piloting

A face-to-face pilot study was undertaken before the larger research initiative. This smallerscale exploration served as a preliminary step in the complete research methodology, aiding in planning and modification. It is crucial to assess feasibility before embarking on the primary investigation, also referred to as the complete study or large-scale main trial. The participants were recruited from 32 different fire stations within the City of Cape Town. The recruitment process utilised a variety of methods, including electronic and face-toface meetings with firefighters, platoon commanders and the

chief fire officer. In addition, the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Service circulated an electronic recruitment letter to different fire stations across the City of Cape Town. A total of three career firefighters who work full-time and are actively involved took part. Conducting the pilot study provided the researcher with valuable insights and experience in interviewing participants, enabling a better understanding of the participants’ body language.

3.6. Data analysis

All interviews were conducted online by Ghaleelullah Achmat and recorded. The google Meet programme transcribed the recording and the researcher read up and confirmed the notes taken during the sessions. The thematic analysis steps of Braun and Clarke (2006) were used to analyse the data. The data were coded into segments of text before bringing meaning to the information. After coding the data, themes, sub-themes were developed and presented in narrative form for further data interpretation.

3.7. Trustworthiness /rigour Trustworthiness is determined by the trust in the data, interpretation and methods used in a study to ensure credibility, dependability, transferability and confirmability.

3.7.1. Credibility

Credibility pertains to the alignment between a respondent's perspective and the researcher's representation of it. In this study, credibility was established by delving into and describing the perceptions of physical activity among firefighters with CHD in the City of Cape Town. The researcher enhanced credibility by

describing their experiences and verifying the research findings with the participants.

3.7.2. Transferability

Transferability is demonstrated by offering readers proof that the results of the research study could be relevant to different contexts, circumstances, time periods and groups of people. This study employed thick descriptions, a crucial technique for improving the transferability and analytical generalisation of qualitative research findings. This enables researchers to evaluate the applicability of the findings in diverse contexts.

3.7.3. Dependability

The dependability of the qualitative data is demonstrated through assurances that the findings were established despite any changes within the research setting or participants during data collection. An external audit was employed in this study, where researchers, not part of the research process, scrutinised both its methodology and outcomes. Their role was to confirm the accuracy and assess whether the findings, interpretations and conclusions were substantiated by the data.

3.7.4. Confirmability

The confirmability of qualitative data is ensured when data are checked and rechecked throughout data collection and analysis to ensure results that are likely to be repeatable by others. This practice enables others to comprehend the manner and rationale behind the decisions made.

4. Results

4.1. Demographic Information

All firefighters have been living

with one or more coronary heart disease (age, family history of CVD, history of smoking, sedentary lifestyle, obesity, hypertension, dyslipidaemia and prediabetes) for five plus years. All the participants worked in the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Service for five plus years.

All nine participants were over the age of 45 years and had a family history of heart disease. Five of the nine participants were obese based on the annual medical screenings and six out of the nine participants were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Additionally, three of the nine participants were diagnosed with high cholesterol levels and seven out of the nine had hypertension and were on anti-hypertensive medication. Moreover, four out of the nine were smoking cigarettes and seven of the nine lived a sedentary lifestyle and did not meet the minimum 150 minutes of physical activity as prescribed by ACSM.

4.1.1. Theme 1: Perceptions of physical activity and coronary heart disease

Physical inactivity is an important risk factor for chronic physical health and mental health conditions in firefighters. Firefighters also face an increased risk of poor physical health due to several modifiable risk factors.

Physical inactivity, coupled with increasing CHD, in firefighters plays a key role in aggregated cardiovascular events. Firefighters may not be meeting the recommended fitness levels based on the cardiovascular and metabolic demands of the occupation. This current theme explores the perceptions of physical activity in the fire service.

4.1.1.1. Subtheme 4.1.1.1: Perceptions of physical activity In this subtheme, the participants perceived physical activity in different ways. The responses from the participants in this study are mentioned below:

“Physical activity for me is anything you can do that involves movement of your body. I've always liked sports and I've always liked being active”. Participant 1

Furthermore, Participant 6 stated that, “The only physical activity is gardening and making sure that the house is maintained. I do spend some time I enjoy woodwork, any kind of woodworking so that's something that I do. And that also involves a bit of physical activity. But yeah, that's about the extent of my physical activities. I try to do as little as possible, which is quite wrong, I know but that's just where I am in my life at the moment.” Participant 6

Adding to this, another participant said, “At work, I'm forced to keep fit, to avoid burnout during a fire. It keeps me up with the young guys. So then I decided to join Muay Thai”. Participant 4.

Participant 3 had the following to say, “The whole circuit of TFA also keeps me fit. I enjoy it so much that I compete for the firefighters.” Participant 3

“Previously in the fire service we had fire departments, police, all competing against each other in different sports like soccer, cricket, rugby, netball and others.” Participant 3

Adding to this, another participant said, “It was

something we used to look forward to and train and prepare together as firefighters. But then all that stopped, even the food, now we prepare our own meals.”

Participant 4

Furthermore, one more participant stated that, “If we can have a fitness camp or something that we can attend, maybe if we work on a weekend, maybe the Saturday morning or the Sunday morning where everyone participates in fitness camp. I think that will inspire everyone much more because you're doing it as a team effort and not at the station we need to go out because here it is almost like we are bound to do it. So, if we go out to other places it's going to be like, it's an outing, let's do it.” Participant 3

One of the participants specified that, “We can look up to our Station Commander. He is physically fit and will advise me on the gym. In addition, he listens to your needs and gives you advice. He is a solid role model.”

Participant 3

Firefighters understood the need for physical activity and the importance of physical activity

for job-related task performance. These findings are consistent with literature indicating that firefighters who engage in physical activity develop longevity in the fire service by maintaining a healthy weight, building strength and improving mobility with appropriate exercise. Additional benefits include combating obesity, diabetes and the management of heart diseases.

Furthermore, physical activity lowers the risk of injury, boosts immune response, lowers the risk of illness and reduces inflammation, especially due to the high risk of COVID-19.

4.1.1.2. Subtheme 4.1.1.2: Perceptions of coronary heart disease

The World Health Organisation states that heart disease (CHD) is still the leading cause of death and a major cause of morbidity in both developed and developing nations despite increased attention being paid to its prevention and treatment. More than 7.2 million deaths in both men and women are attributed to CHD annually. Furthermore, every year, at least 20 million people survive strokes and heart attacks.

The demanding nature of their work and the high incidence of coronary heart disease (CHD) in the fire service may contribute to firefighters' heightened vulnerability to cardiovascular events or injuries.

In this subtheme, the participants perceived CHD in different ways. The responses from the participants in this study are mentioned below:

“My idea of coronary heart disease is that it is related to chest pains and heart attacks.”

Participant 1

“…For myself, it's a scary thing. Especially because of the family history of it. I expect something to happen or not but I know that that is affecting me already with age as I get older. And it's only going to get worse as time goes on.” Participant 2

“To me, having CHD is a sickness that causes long-term illness.”

Participant 3

To conclude, another participant believed that, “...due to my age of 48 years, I am aware that I can get more illness and heart sickness so I usually try to keep my heart healthy by playing club sports and cycling. But the other stuff like smoking, I don’t smoke a lot but maybe stress a bit more.” Participant 5

Based on the responses reported in this subtheme, the study found that participants have varying perceptions of CHD. These results support previous findings that show participants have a common understanding of the concept of CHD and how it affects both their personal and professional lives.

4.2. Theme 2: Experiences of physical activity and coronary heart disease

In Sub-Saharan Africa, one of the primary risk factors for the occurrence of coronary heart disease is physical inactivity. A recent WHO study found that approximately 40 percent of South Africans do not engage in physical activity. In South Africa, the process of urbanisation and related socioeconomic transformation is largely responsible for the trend toward lifestyle diseases and physical inactivity. The current subthemes report on the experiences of physical activities.

4.2.1. Subtheme: Experiences of physical activity

The participants’ responses are mentioned below:

“I used to cycle and walk. The physical activities I enjoy doing at home are the household chores such as sweeping, mopping and doing the laundry. Outside activities, I thoroughly enjoy gardening and woodwork.”

Participant 1

“I go to the gym where I do some weight training and I also run. I tend to go and run up the tower four or five times. I walk the dog in the park so that keeps me very active running after him. I miss swimming and I wish I could still do gymnastics but at this age, my body is not built for doing gymnastics anymore.”

Participant 2

Furthermore, the participants responded as follows:

“I stay alone, I do my washing and then I hang up the washing. Now recently I've been busy with maintenance around the

house, cleaning the roof with a high-pressure gun and hose, when I come home from work I start doing a bit of paintwork.”

Participant 2

One more participant added, “I engage in physical activities at work, we do the entire circuit of situational drills just throwing out hoses, pulling tires, wasting water drums, carrying ladders, in preparation for the Toughest Firefighter Alive. In my personal capacity, I do Muay Thai, weightlifting, cardio and hitting the sledgehammer.” Participant 4

Another participant reported, “Spending less time in front of the television and just doing activities like laundry, the garden, walking the dog I also try to eat a bit healthy, it’s a bit difficult.”

Participant 2

Participant 1 had the following to say, “The fire service provided different types of sporting codes for firefighters in the municipal games. The social competition took place in the Limpopo province where firefighters from Zambia and Botswana joined and we played soccer against each other but it's more like social wasn't that competitive because afterwards, we all had a good time.” Participant 1

“I've recently started gardening and am beginning to enjoy it!”

Participant 1

4.2.2. Subtheme: Experiences of coronary heart disease

In the firefighting profession, coronary heart disease is estimated to have higher rates of death from CHD as most on-duty fatalities are work-precipitated and occur in firefighters with underlying CHD.

Participants in this study reported that, “For myself, it's a scary thing because I have a family history of heart disease. I know that that is affecting my health already. And it's only going to get worse as time goes on. My father died because of heart complications. He also has diabetic issues, cholesterol and hypertension, which are all diseases that I currently have. I lead a very sedentary life, I'm already overweight and my eating habits are not the best.”

Participant 6

“I also have a family history of CHD as my mother passed away from an angina, before the age of 55 years. Currently, I am in good physical health. I don't have any issues with hypertension but rather cholesterol. The problem is I’m sedentary, I sit and watch sports and tend to eat fried chips on my own. I think, physically I'm in good health and I hope to be able to maintain the health level which I'm at currently.”

Participant 5

Another participant stated that, “I can feel now smoking is affecting me because as I'm getting older and tired more quickly during my physical activity. At the moment I eat whatever, I buy meals and put them in the oven. So, I won’t say I’m eating healthy, I'm not unhealthy also” Participant 3

Furthermore, the participants responded as mentioned below: “Living with hypertension, cholesterol and stress. It is a transportation and economic cost for medical treatment.”

Participant 3

The participants also reported: “Before lockdown, I was social and participated in recreational

sports, then I got COVID-19 and became tired during work activities. I will come home and just feel tired and fatigued and lay and watch TV all the time.”

Participant 1

The study also showed that many firefighters who reported Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) were not engaging in sufficient physical activity. Despite this, as firefighters age, they are more likely to experience CHDRF and may not be meeting the necessary physical activity guidelines. This puts them at a higher risk of on-duty injury and fatality, even though they may perceive themselves as healthy.

4.3. Theme 3: Challenges of physical activity and coronary heart disease

Cardiovascular disease also often leads to disability, premature retirement and absenteeism, which can result in reduced productivity and economic output. Despite the demanding physical nature of firefighting, a significant number of firefighters do not adequately maintain their physical fitness levels. Although firefighters possess the skills required for the job to ensure their safety and effectiveness during duty, insufficient physical fitness could potentially result in coronary heart disease over some time.

Coronary heart disease impacts the circulation of blood flow to the heart and insufficient blood flow can lead to a heart attack and stroke. Heart disease costs the United States $3.70 to $11.73 billion each year. This total includes the cost of healthcare services, medications and premature death.

4.3.1.

Subtheme: Challenges of physical activity

The Participants’ responses are mentioned below: “I don't use the gym a lot because I don't know what to do... but I know I need I the strength for my work.” Participant 2

“I got long-term COVID-19 and it impacted my health and since then I don't exercise much.”

Participant 2

Another participant responded, “Not much physical activity for me lately due to medical reasons but I’m worried now that I can't exercise much and I’m getting older”. Participant 1

This participant added, “There are no replacement workers for me while I attend the gym in case the fire alarm bell rings.”

Participant 5

Another participant, “Also, if I can add.. If we run or train in the gym too hard and strenuously, I’m afraid I will get hungry and tired when fighting fire… So, I rather save my energy and don't exercise at all.”

Participant 6

Another participant reported, “When we come back from a fire or rescue we want to eat and recover from the rescue trauma or the intensity of the fire but then the alarm bell rings and we have to go again for our next duty and by the time we get back we sometimes too tired and hungry.”

Participant 8

Another participant, “We have a very small gym and the equipment is old and outdated. I used to do the stairs but that became boring after a while. I also want big muscles.”

Participant 3

“We don’t have a proper gym fitness programme for every day or every shift, we just do what we see on the internet or what we can do by ourselves.”

Participant 3

Another participant added, “Some of the senior firefighters played sports for the fire service back in the day. Now there’s no more sports and they don't exercise but they are getting older and taking more tablets.”

Participant 7

These results are consistent with research that shows that mandatory fitness programmes for firefighters must be implemented to increase firefighter fitness and enhance their general health. The studies show that firefighters who engage in physical fitness and training become more resilient to traumatic and systemic stress.

4.3.2. Subtheme: Challenges of coronary heart disease

A participant reported that, “Obviously our job exposures us to dangerous chemical and physical hazards, so if we have CHD it increases our risk of developing chronic illnesses and cancer.” Participant 3

Participants reported, “Yes, he is right, we get exposed to asbestos and other pollutants in the air sometimes in fires and at rescues, we see a lot of legs and arms laying around and dead people and get emotional stress and makes my heart beat faster but it's part of the job so we learn to cope.” Participant 8

Another participant reported, “Because I have high blood pressure, I don't want to get a

heart attack. So, I work slowly and rely on my experience in fire service because I want to avoid tripping, slipping and falling.”

Participant 5

This participant so added, “I smoke cigarettes and I do a little physical activity; that is my CHD challenge. Perhaps if I do more physical activity I'll smoke less.” Participant 1

Another participant reported, “I once got sick while on-duty. Ever since then I always keep sweets and my diabetic medication with me in the truck and the fire house because you never know how long we will be.” Participant 8

These findings concur with literature indicating CHD remains prevalent in the fire and rescue service and is expected to grow in complexity due to the growing prevalence of comorbidities, including obesity, type two diabetes and increasing age.

5. Ethical approval and consent

The study received ethics clearance from the Biomedical Research Ethics Committee (BMREC) at the University of the Western Cape to conduct this study (BM21/02/07). The permission to conduct the data collection was obtained from the Chief Fire Officer who is the head of the department for the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services. Informed consent was obtained from the participants for voluntary participation. All the collected data was kept confidential and stored with password-protected access. The participants were assured that participation in the study was voluntary and that they could withdraw at any time without question or penalty.

6.

Discussion

Globally, patients with congestive heart failure perceive physical activity as a major obstacle, even though it is frequently mentioned as a primary factor in enhancing health. This study found that seven of the nine (77 percent) firefighters were living a predominantly sedentary life.

Perceptions, experiences and challenges of physical activity in firefighters with coronary heart disease risk factors are vital elements influencing physical activity participation in this study. This finding is supported by research that indicates two of the nine (23 percent) physically active participants perceive more benefits of and fewer barriers to PA than non-physically participants. The prevention and treatment of coronary heart disease (CHD) depends heavily on the recommendation of ≥150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week in patients with CHD.

Physical activity is described as any voluntary bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that requires energy expenditure, encompasses all activities, at any intensity, performed during any time of day or night and includes both exercise and incidental activity integrated into the daily routine.

All participants in this study reported substantial perceived benefits of physical activity and these findings demonstrate consistency with reported studies of firefighters that better understand the parameters related to firefighting task performance and encourage the employment of onduty physical

training programs for firefighters throughout the employee wellness programmes.

The belief that they were “too unfit,” “feeling anxiety,” “not enough time,” “lack of interest,” “bad weather” and “feeling of being uncomfortable” and their experiences with cardiovascular disease contributed to the feelings of inactivity among firefighters. Compared to someone active, more effort would be required to initiate physical activity.

The findings illustrated that participants of this study reported different perceptions, experiences and challenges regarding physical activity and coronary heart disease. Therefore, physical activity is recommended to limit the amount of sedentary time and replace the sedentary time with low, moderate or high-intensity physical activities. Specifically for this study, low or light-intensity physical activities are advised to implement behavioural change and provide CHD health benefits. Furthermore, to grasp the current physical activity guidelines, targeting 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity per week is recommended. Brown et al. created a low-intensity exercise program lasting three months for participants who were older adults and slightly frail.

Before and after the programme, the participants finished a modified physical performance test covering the following domains: flexibility, balance, body-handling skills, reaction time and coordination.

The results showed that lowintensity exercise produced

significant improvements in every physical domain. After lowintensity exercise, the participants also reported improvements in their self-rated physical performance and an increase in their sense of enjoyment.

Policy changes related to physical fitness in the fire and rescue service are required to keep firefighters healthy and safe. Initial medical screening by the doctors should be followed up with physical activity programmes designed for firefighters with CHDRF. This study further reveals that intervention strategies and potential collaborations with policymakers, key stakeholders, and universities could facilitate lifestyle modifications for firefighters, incorporating specific physical activities geared towards addressing coronary heart disease within the fire service.

6.1. Limitations and strengths of the study

As researchers desiring to conduct good research, it is important to identify and report the limitations of our study. The findings of this study have to be observed with some limitations. This study had nine active fulltime career firefighters, eight males and one female, from 240 firefighters.

The small number of female representatives in this study is generally consistent with the City of Cape Town firefighter population, which consists of a majority of males. Furthermore, firefighters at the three different ranks comprise operational level 800 to 900 firefighters, middle-level management 8 to 36 firefighters and high-level management 4 to 8 firefighter/

fire officers. The timing of the study coincided with the peak season (September to April) for firefighters’ response to duty. Therefore, research opportunities should be considered during the off-peak season.

The COVID-19 pandemic further contributed to few participants as many firefighters prioritised work commitments and safety concerns due to the pandemic. No study has yet been conducted on all the firefighters in the City of Cape Town to assess CHD, however, of the nine participants included, all nine had CHD as part of the inclusion criteria. Additionally, future researchers should study firefighters from different locations across the Western Cape and South Africa since our participants were from the City of Cape Town only.

Since our findings cannot be generalized to other ethnic backgrounds, it would be beneficial to expand this study to include various parts of the country with varying ethnicities as well.

This study could be expanded by looking at constructs such as motivation to physical activities, commitment to managing chronic diseases, desire to enhance the quality of firefighters' lives, and altruistic perceptions of selflessness to enhance public safety. The qualitative research approach is particularly effective for exploring a concept with smaller sample sizes inductively.

In contrast, quantitative studies should involve larger sample sizes to enhance the understanding of fulltime firefighters, which will

broaden the insights gained from the current study. While qualitative research offers a deeper comprehension of the subject, quantitative research is essential for expanding the overall research framework. Additionally, by sharing the results of this study, we offer quantitative researchers a foundational basis to develop a more comprehensive understanding of the motivations and affiliations of fulltime firefighters, as well as valuable data to inform their studies.

Conclusion

The critical incidents described by the firefighters were cardiovascular incidents, CHDRF and sedentary lifestyles. Physical inactivity was associated with total cholesterol, type 2 diabetes and obesity. These negative experiences of cardiovascular disease could, however, be alleviated by physical activity efforts directed toward reducing the risks of CHDRF. All firefighters expressed a need for better training with health professionals, such as dietitians for meal preparations and exercise specialists for physical activity prescription.

Consequently, increasing physical activity levels by reducing sedentary behaviour is essential to enhancing the health, wellbeing, fitness and performance of firefighters.

Author’s contributions

It is hereby acknowledged that all authors have accepted responsibility for the manuscript's content and consented to its submission. They have meticulously reviewed all results and unanimously approved the final version of the manuscript.

Firexpo 2025 ignites interest in fire safety and prevention innovation

Firexpo 2025, which ran from 3 to 5 June at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, once again underscored the importance of fire safety in every sector of the economy. Co-located with Securex South Africa, A-OSH Expo and Facilities Management Expo, Firexpo offered targeted insights into fire detection, suppression, compliance and emergency response technologies. Thousands of industry decision-makers found a multitude of fire safety solutions, all under one roof, with additional free access to security, OSH and facilities management products and services.

The four shows had 298 exhibitors over 4 500m2 exhibition space.

Firexpo hosted a three-day workshop with key industry leaders presenting on various topics. Speakers included Tim de Witt of TDW International Fire Consultancy, Kobus Strydom of FireLab, Rob Penney of Synertech, Tiaan Jansen van Rensburg of OTN Systems, Ferdi Jansen of Brigit Fire, De Wet Engelbrecht of

Fire Ops SA, Wynand Engelbrecht of Fire Ops SA, Boet Hamman of Fenco Fire Engineers and Consultants, Martin Venter of OTN Systems, Karel Roodt of The Fire Engineer, Jacques Labuschagne of SE Controls, Brett Birch of SAQCC Fire, Marius Atterbury of FPASA, Trevor Fiford of Industrial Fire and Hazard Control and Marius Janse van Rensburg of Advanced Fixed Systems (AFST).

“Visitors explored the latest fire protection systems, including smart alarms, fire doors, sprinklers, extinguishers, and passive fire prevention materials. The presence of leading local and international fire solution providers made Firexpo a comprehensive destination for risk reduction and regulatory compliance,” says Mark Anderson, portfolio director at Specialised Exhibitions, a division of Montgomery Group.

A centrepiece of the event was the Firexpo Seminar Theatre, where experts shared their knowledge on legislation, best practices, and innovation in the fire safety sector. Complementing

this was the highly regarded FPASA InFIReS Seminar, drawing interest from insurance underwriters, safety engineers and municipal fire service leaders.

“Firexpo 2025 played a vital role in helping professionals understand how to meet fire safety requirements while integrating new technologies into their overall safety strategies,” said Anderson.

Firexpo visitor and exhibitor feedback

Both new and returning participants praised Firexpo 2025 for its practical relevance and direct value to fire professionals. Exhibitors noted the excellent level of interest and strong potential leads generated.

De Wet Engelbrecht from Fire Ops SA said. “Firexpo can be summed up as innovative, industry leading, and an eye-opener in what’s going on in the industry. Collaboration is a positive factor. We picked up a large contract and four major leads on our first morning. The show exceeded my expectations. You need to adapt to technology in this industry to stay ahead.”

Sizani Valves’ Zuko Hlanekela said, “Wow, what a great show. Firexpo gives us exposure and lets us interact with other fire product and service suppliers. This was really fantastic for our market.”

TNO Holdings’ Khethiwe Dlamini said, “Firexpo and Facilities Management Expo were great and I loved the valuable networking opportunities available and the informative nature of the event, coupled with the wide variety of products on display.”

Colin Mokwape from South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) said, “I found the stands I

visited at Firexpo very informative and I came away with material that was useful.”

“Firexpo 2025 attracted fire safety professionals and first responders eager to explore the latest solutions and industry trends. Exhibitors reported strong leads and valuable engagement, while visitors appreciated the live demos, expert advice and practical insights gained throughout the show. Next on the calendar is our four-shows Cape Town event, taking place from 21 to 23 October 2025 at the Cape Town International Conference Centre and next year’s Johannesburg

event, which will take place at Gallagher Convention Centre from 2 to 4 June 2026. Full details of both shows are available on our website at www.firexpo.co.za,” said Anderson.

A-OSH Expo 2025

A-OSH Expo once again confirmed its importance as South Africa’s leading event dedicated to occupational health and safety.

A-OSH provided professionals with an invaluable platform to explore H&S innovation, compliance solutions and training resources.

“The 2025 edition welcomed a strong contingent of exhibitors showcasing a full suite of PPE, health technology, fall protection systems, ergonomic solutions, signage and environmental safety products. Across the show floor, suppliers and solution providers met with procurement officers, safety managers, and decision-makers eager to improve workplace safety standards. Thousands of visitors, many with strategic purchasing roles and executive decision-making authority, attended the co-located shows,” said Anderson.

Delegates gained critical knowledge at the free-to-attend A-OSH Seminar Theatre, where expert speakers presented on themes ranging from regulatory updates and mental health in the workplace to emerging risks and the integration of technology in safety protocols. The sessions proved particularly relevant given the current focus on employee well-being, workplace culture, and safety compliance.

“Most of the sessions at the Saiosh Seminar Theatre were so packed that people stood outside the theatre, looking in! The ever-popular Mr Zee’s

Industrial Theatre once again showed that interactive, live sessions are a big hit with the visitors,” said Anderson.

Similarly, the Working at Height Seminar Theatre, powered by BBF Safety and the Institute for Work at Height (IWH) brought valuable information to attendees seeking answers to current risks around working at height.

“A-OSH EXPO also featured live demonstrations, allowing visitors to engage directly with equipment and services in a practical, hands-on setting. This immersive approach provided a better understanding of how to implement effective health and safety strategies across various industries,” said Anderson.

A-OSH Expo visitor and exhibitor feedback

With a highly targeted visitor base and a strong educational programme, A-OSH Expo 2025 left attendees impressed by the relevance and quality of the event. Many exhibitors reported outstanding engagement and productive conversations with buyers.

Intra-Safe’s Ken Annandale said, “Because we’re based in Mauritius, we don’t often get to meet our target market. A-OSH Expo lets us do that. I love the vibe at the shows and I love connecting with the visitors. I’ll be back in 2026.”

Chris Morner from Dekra IOL said, “We would describe A-OSH Expo as innovation, impact and partnerships. A-OSH Expo brings together leading-edge occupational health and safety solutions, meaningful industry collaboration and real-world safety impact under one roof. Exhibiting at A-OSH Expo has played a pivotal role in expanding Dekra Industrial’s and the IOL’s visibility and influence across local and pan-African highrisk industries. It is therefore more than just a showcase: it is where conversations turn into powerful long-term partnerships.”

Mauritz Marais from Future Tech Computers (Namibia) said, “The stands were of a high standard, and the shows are well organised. There is great variety and we found what we were looking for.” Kgedi Trading and Projects’ Samuel Ngwedzeni and

Jabulani Ndlovu, “We got more information than we expected from the shows. We were introduced to lots of technologies we need in our company.”

“Visitors came from across South Africa and neighbouring countries, with many highlighting the value of being able to compare products side-byside, engage directly with technical experts, and gain insights from the free seminar sessions. Whether seeking the latest in PPE, safety software, ergonomics or compliance solutions, attendees walked away better informed and better equipped to meet their health and safety obligations. We now look forward to our Cape Town event. Full details of both shows are available on our website at www.aosh.co.za,” said Anderson.

Organisations wishing to exhibit at Firexpo and AoSH Expo Cape Town 2025 or in 2026, can contact the Firexpo and A-OSH team on zelda.jordaan@ montgomerygroup.com or johan. vanheerden@montgomerygroup. com to book a space or capitalise on a sponsorship opportunity.

The history of SOS

The Morse code distress signal is probably one of the most famous messages associated with radio communications

SOS was introduced for emergency maritime radio communication using Morse code

SOS is a Morse code distress signal (

), used internationally, originally established for maritime use. In formal notation SOS is written

with an overscore line (SOS), to indicate that the Morse code equivalents for the individual letters of "SOS" are transmitted as an unbroken sequence of three dots/three dashes/three

dots, with no spaces between the letters. In International Morse Code three dots form the letter "S" and three dashes make the letter "O", so "S O S" became a common way to remember the order of the dots and dashes. IWB, VZE, 3B and V7 form equivalent sequences but traditionally SOS is the easiest to remember.

SOS, when it was first agreed upon by the International Radio Telegraphic Convention in 1906, was merely a distinctive Morse code sequence and was initially not an abbreviation. Later a backronym was created for it in popular usage and SOS became associated with mnemonic phrases such as "save our souls" and "save our ship". Moreover, due to its high-profile use in emergencies, the phrase "SOS" has entered general usage to informally indicate a crisis or the need for action.

SOS originated in German government maritime radio regulations adopted effective 1 April 1905. It became a worldwide standard when it was included in the service regulations of the first International Radiotelegraph Convention signed on 3 November 1906, which became effective on 1 July 1908. In modern terminology, SOS is a Morse "procedural signal" or "prosign", used as a start-ofmessage mark for transmissions requesting assistance when loss of life or catastrophic loss of property is imminent. Other

prefixes are used for mechanical breakdowns, requests for medical assistance and a relayed distress signal originally sent by another station. SOS remained the maritime radio distress signal until 1999, when it was replaced by the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System.

SOS is still recognised as a standard distress signal that may be used with any signalling method. It has been used as a visual distress signal, consisting of three short/three long/three short flashes of light, such as from a survival mirror. In some cases the individual letters "S O S" have been spelled out, for example, stamped in a snowbank or formed out of logs on a beach. "S O S" being readable upside down as well as right side up (as an ambigram) is an advantage for visual recognition.

History

Radio (initially known as "wireless telegraphy") was developed in the late 1890s and was quickly recognised as an important aid to maritime communication. Previously, seagoing vessels had adopted a variety of standardized visual and audio distress signals, using such things as semaphore flags, signal flares, bells and foghorns. However, cooperation in standardising radio distress signals was initially limited by national differences and rivalries between competing radio companies.

In 1903, an Italian representative at the Berlin Preliminary Conference on Wireless Telegraphy, Captain Quintino Bonomo, discussed the need for common operating procedures, including the suggestion that "ships in distress ... should send the

signal SSS DDD at intervals of a few minutes". However, procedural questions were beyond the scope of this conference, so no standard signal was adopted at the time, although Article IV of the conference's Final Protocol stated that "Wireless telegraph stations should, unless practically impossible, give priority to calls for help received from ships at sea".

Without international regulations, individual organizations were left to develop their practices. On 7 January 1904 the Marconi International Marine Communication Company issued "Circular 57", which specified that, for the company's worldwide installations, beginning 1 February 1904 "the call to be given by ships in distress or in any way requiring assistance

Early ship installations used spark transmitters and high voltages were keyed - this Morse key has insulators to provide the required installation

shall be C.Q.D." An alternative proposal, put forward in 1906 by the US Navy, suggested that the International Code of Signals flag signals should be adopted for radio use, including NC, which stood for "In distress; want immediate assistance".

Germany was the first country to adopt the SOS distress signal, which it called the Notzeichen signal, as one of three Morse code sequences included in national radio regulations which became effective on 1 April 1905. In 1906, the first International Radiotelegraph Convention met in Berlin, which produced an agreement signed on 3 November 1906 that became effective on 1 July 1908. The convention adopted an extensive collection of Service Regulations, including Article XVI, which read: "Ships in distress shall use the following signal:

repeated at brief intervals".

In both the 1 April 1905 German law and the 1906 international regulations, the distress signal is specified as a continuous Morse

code sequence of three dots / three dashes /three dots, with no mention of any alphabetic equivalents. However there was a convention in International Morse whereby three dots comprise the letter "S" and three dashes the letter "O", and it soon became common to informally refer to the distress signal as "S O S", with the 12 January 1907 Electrical World stating that "Vessels in distress use the special signal, SOS, repeated at short intervals." In American Morse code, which was used by

many coastal ships in the United States through the first part of the Twentieth Century, three dashes stood for the numeral "5", so in a few cases the distress signal was informally referred to as "S 5 S".

The first ships that have been reported to have transmitted an SOS distress call were the Cunard oceanliner RMS Slavonia on 10 June 1909 while sailing the Azores and the steamer SS Arapahoe on 11 August 1909 while off the North Carolina coast. The signal of the Arapahoe was received by the United Wireless Telegraph Company station at Hatteras, North Carolina and forwarded to the steamer company's offices. However, there was some resistance among Marconi operators to adopting the new signal, and as late as the April 1912 sinking of the RMS Titanic the ship's Marconi operators intermixed CQD and SOS distress calls. In the interests of consistency and maritime safety, the use of CQD appears to have died out thereafter.

Cunard liner RMS Slavonia photographed the day it was wrecked on 10 June 1909; it is the earliest-reported ship to have transmitted the SOS distress call

Later developments

Additional warning and distress signals followed the introduction of SOS. On 20 January 1914, the London International Convention on Safety of Life at Sea adopted as the "Safety Signal" the Morse code sequence "TTT" ▄▄▄ ▄▄▄ ▄▄▄ (three "T's" ( ▄▄▄ ))—spaced normally as three letters so as not to be confused with the three dashes of the letter O ( ▄▄▄ ▄▄▄ ▄▄▄ )—and used for messages to ships "involving safety of navigation and being of an urgent character" but short of an emergency.

"Mayday" voice code

With the development of audio radio transmitters, there was a need for a spoken distress phrase and "Mayday" (from French m'aider "help me") was adopted by the 1927 International Radio Convention as the spoken equivalent of SOS. For "TTT", the equivalent spoken signal is "Sécurité" (from French sécurité "safety") for navigational safety, while "Pan-pan" (from French panne "breakdown"; Morse "XXX") signals an urgent but not immediately dangerous situation.

World War II suffix codes

During World War II, additional codes were employed to include immediate details about attacks by enemy vessels, especially in the Battle of the Atlantic. The signal "SSS" signalled attacked by submarines, while "RRR" warned of an attack by a surface raider, "QQQ" warned of an unknown raider (usually an auxiliary cruiser) and "AAA" indicated an attack by aircraft. They were usually sent in conjunction with the SOS distress signal. All of these codes later switched from three repeats of the letter to four repeats, eg, "RRRR".

None of these signals was used on its own. Sending SOS as well as the urgency signal ("XXX" in CW and "PAN-PAN" in voice) and safety signal ("TTT" in CW and "SECURITE" in voice) used similar procedures for effectiveness.

Audio tone signals and automatic alarms

Ships and coastal stations would normally have required quiet times twice an hour to listen for priority signals, for three minutes, at different times for 500kHz and 2182kHz.

Since many merchant vessels carried only one or two radio operators, no one might hear a distress signal when both operators were off-duty. Eventually, equipment was invented to summon operators by ringing an alarm in the operator's cabin and on the bridge and the only switch able to disable the alarm was only permitted to be in the wireless telegraph room. The alarm was sent by the operator on the ship in distress transmitting the radiotelegraph alarm signal (auto-alarm) signal - twelve extra-long dashes, each lasting four seconds with a onesecond gap between them, and transmitted in A2 (modulated CW). The alarm signal was normally sent with a mechanical or electronic timing circuit to ensure it was sent accurately. However, ships radio room clocks typically had markings on the dial to guide operators in sending the signal manually. The regulations for the auto-alarm were defined in the 1927 Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) international maritime regulations and in Article 19, § 21, of the General Regulations annexed to the

International Radiotelegraph Convention, 1927.5 5.

The Auto Alarm receivers were designed to activate upon receiving four such dashes. Once four valid dashes are detected, the automatic alarm is activated. The distressed ship's operator would then delay sending the SOS message itself to give offwatch radio operators time to reach their radio room.

The radiotelephony equivalent of the radiotelegraph alarm signal is the radiotelephony alarm signal, which is the transmission of alternating tones of 2 200Hz and 1 300Hz, with each tone having a duration of 250ms. Automatic alarm systems aboard ships must activate when such a signal is received and the receiving vessel is within 500nmi (930km) of the transmitting vessel's position or if the distress position is in the polar areas (latitude greater than 70°N or 70°S). The alarm should also activate when the call is received and the distance between the vessel in distress and the receiving vessel cannot be determined.

The phrase "SOS" used on a Belgian emergency telephone traffic sign