Update

SOUTH CAPE NEWS - The first meeting between the SCFPA, Central Karoo District Municipality (CKDM) and District Agricultural Association were held on 26 April at the DM office outside Beaufort West.

One of the objectives of this meeting was to determine the actions to follow for the planned membership drive. The CKDM, as well as the Karoo National Park (KarooNP), is members of the SCFPA. As the KarooNP is a major landowner and member in the region, the District Agricultural Association were involved to determine the first high-risk priority area where the membership drive will kick off.

The objective to explain and understand principals of IFM within the district was well met with the participants. The integral involvement of the SCFPA in this regard were emphasised to role players, who have quite a few obstacles to overcome. The total lack of, or very little wild land firefighting services, together with the average property being close to 8000ha, is the main challenges that have to be overcome.

"The possibility of a WoF base (non-structural) were discussed, not only for an additional resource to assist members, but to create a source of income for individuals in a town where unemployment is very high," said Charl Wade, SCFPA Western Regional Manager.

The same day the first FMU meeting was held in the Karoo National Park. As the park is close to 80 000ha it will be a lone FMU. Loads of info were exchanged, all to start with the action plan for the FMU.

Charl Wade, SCFPA Western Regional Manager and Riaan Nel, Senior Section Ranger: Karoo National Park.

The Smoke Detection Incident Action Plan was compiled. The risk areas to the park were confirmed as per the previous meeting, and the relevant info exchange to get the ball rolling.

The SCFPA, together with the EPWP project running in the park, started an awareness drive where the material was donated and explained to the participants.

A lot of the material was supplied by WCPDM. This awareness drives, with the good quality materials used, have proofed time and again to raise the awareness level and ultimately save lives.

Read a previous article: SCFPA (Western region) extended boundaries

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