South African National Parks commemorated International Firefighters Day (IFFD) on Saturday (May 4) by recognising the firefighters, partners, and volunteers for their unwavering hard work, dedication, and commitment to saving lives and preserving the environment year-round.

Table Mountain National Park (TMNP) faced an intense 2023/24 fire season, responding to 119 fires within the park between April 2023 and March 2024, compared with 85 fires recorded the previous year. April 2024 alone saw TMNP responding to 27 fires, five of which were extended attack multi-day fires.

“As we observe IFFD, SANParks extends its gratitude to a contingent of approximately 200 firefighters and six pilots engaged at any one time during the fire season, as well as the pilots, dispatchers, management, and stakeholders who provided crucial support during the fire season,” SANParks – Table Mountain National Park said on Facebook.

These include NCC Environmental Services NCC Wildfires, Volunteer Wildfire Services, Working on Fire, Kishugu Aviation, Provincial Disaster Management Centre, Cape Peninsula Fire Protection Association, Western Cape Umbrella FPA, Enviro Wildfire Pty Ltd – Western Cape, and City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services, amongst others.

“Our heroes and heroines demonstrated exceptional courage and dedication, working tirelessly under challenging conditions and terrains within TMNP.

“At the same time, we honour and remember all firefighters worldwide who lost their lives in the line of duty. We salute every firefighter and volunteer for their dedicated and selfless service,” SANParks – Table Mountain National Park concluded.