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GEORGE NEWS & VIDEO - The Wilderness Fire Forum, in conjunction with the Wilderness Ratepayers and Residents Association (WRRA), will host a fire safety and awareness expo on Saturday 26 October from 09:00 to 14:00 at the Wilderness Village Green. This will be the first of its kind in the Garden Route.
Wilderness is considered a high-risk zone for fires. Sandwiched between the 2017 Knysna fire, which consumed 19 000ha and 1 000 houses, and the 2018 Garden Route fires, which burnt some 100 000ha with eight lives lost, the Wilderness region last experienced fires in August 2016.
This means the area is currently sitting with an exceptionally high fuel load, with many alien species that thrive in fire.
The main aim of the expo is to create and strengthen awareness of and prepare for fire safety in the greater Wilderness and Garden Route area, and heighten preparedness for a potential wildfire disaster.
Among others, the event will feature displays and exhibitions of local fire departments, Southern Cape Fire Protection Association, SANParks, CapeNature, Working on Fire, and George Alert Team.
VIDEO - High risk fire zone: Wilderness hosts fire safety expo:
Suppliers of firefighting equipment, related household equipment and other firefighting and safety equipment will also be displaying their wares, along with first-aid and firefighting training companies.
Conservancies will be on hand to supply information on alien and indigenous plants and how that may impact fire safety, along with local volunteer services and volunteer fire management units.
Demonstrations of equipment, a display of fire engines, a helicopter fly-past, and a water drop demo will ensure an exciting and educational morning for all.
On Thursday evening, 24 October, there will also be a talk starting at 18:30 at the Fairy Knowe Hotel about alien clearing and the law, providing an opportunity to learn about National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act responsibilities and the Outeniqua Sensitive Coastal Area.
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