Fire and Rescue International

23/06/2026

21/06/2026

Three Kuruman firefighters killed in tragic crash while responding to emergency, Ga-Segonyana

Three firefighters from the Ga-Segonyana Local Municipality's Fire and Disaster Unit died after a municipal fire truck was involved in a fatal road accident while responding to a veld fire emergency. Baleseng Masilo, Obakeng Thakadu and Tshepo Mokhutsane, tragically lost their lives on 12 June 2026, when their fire truck collided with a stationary bus. According to the municipality, the crash involved a bus, the municipal fire truck and a vehicle belonging to Kurara FM. The incident occurred while they were enroute to attend to a veldfire along TM Tlhabane Road, which connects Seodin and Mothibistad.

Read more:
https://www.frimedia.org/fri-newsletter-19-june-main.html

21/06/2026

End of Watch: A Final Salute to Stephan Smith

It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we gather to say our final goodbye to Emergency Services Volunteer Stephan Smith — a devoted husband, father, son, colleague, friend and servant of his community. Today marks the end of his watch but his legacy of courage, compassion and selfless service will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him. Throughout his career, Stephan answered every call with unwavering dedication. When others fled from danger, he moved towards it. He stood between his community and disaster, offering protection, hope and reassurance during some of life's most difficult moments. Whether battling raging fires, responding to emergencies or comforting those in distress, Stephan embodied the true spirit of an emergency services volunteer.

Read more:
https://www.frimedia.org/fri-newsletter-19-june-stephansmith.html

21/06/2026

Airborne Firefighters, US

This summer, go behind the scenes of California’s aerial firefighting programme and experience wildfire season from a whole new perspective. Follow pilots, air attack personnel and the dedicated teams that support them as they train, respond and take on one of the most demanding missions in aviation. This docuseries offers an inside look at the people behind the aircraft and the realities of wildfires—both in the air and on the ground. Watch the trailer for a sneak peek into the world of aerial firefighting. The series will premiere on June 30 on YouTube with new episodes dropping every Tuesday. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNe_jL9i95g.

Source: CalFire

Read more:
https://www.frimedia.org/fri-newsletter-19-june-airbornefirefightersseries.html

21/06/2026

Dräger South Africa Fire Combat and Rescue Challenge 2026

The Dräger Fire Combat and Rescue Challenge will take place on 24 and 25 July 2026. When seconds matter, awareness matters more. Reliability, comfort and safety are no longer optional—they’re essential. Get to know our new safety equipment and find out how Dräger continues to protect those who protect others—every step of the way. Because firefighters demand more. Register here. For further information, contact Wimpie van Onselen, Marketing Manager: Emergency and Rescue Services at Dräger South Africa on Tel: +27 11 059 4200 or email: [email protected]. Check out last year’s event: https://youtu.be/rzy4RL0AreU?list=PLiuh1pW4MveN6gs1iyDlQSqwcW_BAXJwf

Read more:
https://www.frimedia.org/fri-newsletter-19-june-dragerchallenge.html

21/06/2026

Major fire at hazardous materials facility triggers large emergency response, Melbourne, Australia

A significant industrial fire at the Envirostor hazardous materials facility in Melbourne's northern industrial suburb of Campbellfield prompted a major emergency response overnight, drawing firefighters, police, ambulance crews and specialist hazardous-materials personnel to the scene on Tuesday, 9 June 2026. The incident occurred at the Envirostore site operated by DGL Group, a company specialising in chemical logistics, storage, recycling and hazardous-material management. Emergency services were alerted after fire broke out within the facility, sending smoke into the surrounding area and raising concerns about the potential risks associated with chemicals stored on-site.

Read more:
https://www.frimedia.org/fri-newsletter-19-june-aushazmatfire.html

21/06/2026

The Johannesburg Trifecta: Conquering South Africa's tallest buildings

What began as a conversation between a few dedicated firefighters soon evolved into one of the most demanding firefighter fitness challenges undertaken in Johannesburg. The journey started when Firefighter Vincent Naude proposed that a group of firefighters participate in the iconic Ponte City Stair Run Challenge while wearing full structural firefighting personal protective equipment (PPE) and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). The challenge tested physical endurance, mental resilience and determination, proving that firefighters are capable of pushing far beyond ordinary limits.

Read more:
https://www.frimedia.org/fri-newsletter-19-june-carltonstairrun.html

21/06/2026

Rescue helicopter pilot’s 90-second survival window (Today’s Real Shift)

A rescue helicopter pilot. A collapsing mountain. Just 90 seconds to survive. What happens when a mountain rescue mission turns into a fight against avalanches, fuel and time? Experience a real helicopter rescue shift in extreme weather, impossible landing zones and life-or-death cockpit decisions. Will the crew make it out before the mountain closes in?

Source: Insider Shift

Read more:
https://www.frimedia.org/fri-newsletter-19-june-rescuepilot.html

21/06/2026

Double boost for Rheenendal: New fire engines handed over and e-Centre unveiled, Knysna

On 10 June 2026, the Western Cape Government, in partnership with the Knysna Municipality, officially handed over two brand-new fire trucks to the local disaster management and firefighting teams in Rheenendal in Knysna. The two milestones mark a significant investment in both digital access and public safety. The fire engines were required through funding by the Western Cape Provincial Capacity Grant and will be stationed in Rheenendal to strengthen local emergency response capacity and ensure that fire and rescue services are available closer to the community.

Read more:
https://www.frimedia.org/fri-newsletter-19-june-rheenendalengines.html