06-07 December 2018 was used strategically to host a 2 day workshop by the National Task Team to enhance funding of Fire Services. The event was hosted at the FPASA in Boksburg. This was a commendable event, geared at unpacking critical issues impacting the fire services and all stakeholders present added considerable value. 

In July 2018, the FPASA provided free Workplace Firefighting and Breathing Appartus training to the municipal managers of Namakwa. 

Though the S.A. building regulations does not provide extensive detail in thatch construction - please read through the below guide from the Thatchers Association of South Africa (TASA) for more guidance. 

The Mayor of St. Francis Bay explains the fire started as a consequence of informal settlers clearing space for the erection of informal dwellings. Part of the process entailed the informal settlers setting vegetation alight. However, due to strong winds, the fire spread to surrounding areas and eventually caught onto thatch of surrounding formal dwellings. Once the thatch caught alight, this then spread rapidly. Due to the valiant efforts of St. Francis Bay firefighters and Nelson Mandela Metropolitan municipality, the fire was brought under control. No people are reported dead, and at least 11 homes have been serverely damaged. (See video below)

This year the FPASA wanted to honour women in the Fire and Emergency Services as they truly are our unsung heroes. Women, and men, risk their lives every day for our safety and wellbeing, however women experience discrimination and a host of other historical issues which are now being addressed on a national level. The National Disaster Management team, primarily Dr. Moses Khangale and Mr. Lloyd Phetu, acknowledge the significant contribution of women in fire emergency services and together with the FPASA wanted to pay tribute to women who inspire us every day. 

Renay Sewpersad, MD FPASA, delivering the opening address at the 2018 FPASA/NDMC Womens Day event. 

This year the FPASA embarked on an ambitious strategy to empower all Fire Departments nationally.

The FPASA trained over 225 firefighters (a minimum of 25 from each of the 9 provinces) in South Africa on Fire Risk Assessment and Prevention Strategies (FRAPS) free of charge.

 Eastern Cape FRAPS training