The Manitoba government has sent sincere thanks to all the firefighters from other jurisdictions who came to assist the Manitoba Wildfire Service including a large contingent from South Africa who returned home Tuesday night. The group of 109 men and women of the South Africa contingent arrived in Manitoba on August 11th and was deployed to a large collection of fires known as the Loon Straits complex and to fires near Sherridon, Flin Flon and Snow Lake.
Conservation Minister Sarah Guillmard noted these hard working firefighters were welcomed to these communities and brought professionalism and dedication to their jobs as well as great team spirit shown through their colorful marching, chanting and singing at the airport in Winnipeg upon their arrival and when moving through the communities where they were deployed. You can see an example of their marching and singing while they were staying in Flin Flon by scrolling down to August 30th on the City of Flin Flon Facebook page.
Their Managing Director Trevor Abrahams said they feel they fit in well with local crews and appreciate the praise and support of the local fire commanders. He adds they enjoyed their camping experience near the fire line and some interesting encounters the local bear population.
