Volunteer Wildfire Services

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The Volunteer Wildfire Services is a group of volunteers in Cape Town, South Africa who assist local fire fighting agencies to supress wildfires. Affiliated to the Table Mountain National Park, the VWS is the only unit of it's kind in South Africa.

The VWS has three main functions. These are to

assist landowners with wildland fire suppression

provide education and awareness programmes for school children, and

provide training for private landowners in wildfire prevention and management techniques

Funding is secured through various projects that allow the Unit to operate independently and manage their own funds and resources. The VWS forms partnerships with companies in order to survive financially.

Fire fighters are on standby for 24 hours a day, for 365 days of the year. As with any volunteer organization, members are able to assist with wildfire suppression at various levels. While some are only available on weekends or after hours, others can assist at any time of the day or night.

There are various sections within the Unit, including Active Fire Fighters, Logistical Support (Drivers, Caterers, Medics, Techical Support teams), Planners, Admin, and other important groups who ensure that the organization runs smoothly throughout the year.

The VWS has provided thousands of hours of fire duty to the TMNP and other landowners at no charge, and will continue to do so as a sign of their commitment to assiting the citizens of Cape Town with the saving of lives and property, and the conservation of the Fynbos.