Annual Women in Emergency, Disaster Management and Fire Services Leadership Conference
The fourth Annual Women in Emergency, Disaster Management and Fire Services Leadership Conference will be held on 7 and 8 August 2025 at the Southern Sun Hotel, Rivonia Road in Sandton, Johannesburg and is a premier platform dedicated to celebrating, inspiring and empowering women leaders in high-pressure sectors. As more women break barriers and step into pivotal leadership roles, this year’s theme, ‘Empowering women leaders for a resilient tomorrow’, places a strong focus on resilience, innovation, collaboration and transformative leadership in an increasingly complex world.
Spanning two impactful days, the 2025 edition brings together a powerful mix of keynote presentations, expert-led sessions, interactive workshops and live simulations. These elements are carefully curated to equip attendees with practical tools and insights in areas such as crisis decision-making, leadership development, Al-driven disaster response, climate resilience and mental wellness.
This year, the conference also places a spotlight on the experiences of women with disabilities in EMS, disaster and fire service championing inclusive leadership and addressing the unique challenges they face in the field. Through thoughtful dialogue and representation, the event reinforces its commitment to ensuring all women, regardless of physical ability, are empowered to lead with confidence and impact.
Key sessions Beyond the content, the conference serves as a dynamic networking hub, fostering meaningful connections, peer learning and collaborative opportunities that drive positive change in emergency and disaster leadership.
Package R7 999 per delegate, which includes: • Conference drinks – evening • Reception networking event • Delegate pass for two-day conference • All refreshments and snacks during conference breaks including buffet lunches • Discounted accommodation rates at venue hotel subject to availability
Benefits of attending Leadership development: Enhance your leadership and crisis management skills with expert insights and strategies. Networking opportunities: Connect with a global network of women professionals and industry leaders. Expert insights: Gain knowledge from seasoned executives, first responders and disaster relief professionals. Innovation and strategy: Explore emerging technologies and strategies shaping emergency and disaster management. Gender inclusivity: Learn about initiatives promoting gender diversity and empowering women in leadership roles. Mental resilience: Develop tools to manage stress and well-being in high-pressure environments. Personal growth: Overcome industry-specific challenges with confidence and strategic leadership techniques.
Featured speakers Include: • Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, MEC for Health, Gauteng • Tash Lachenicht, managing director: Epic Emergency Medicine • Nomathemba Mtshali, director: Strategic Support EMS, City of Johannesburg • Sanky Mahlangu, head of safety, Transnet Rail infrastructure manager • Dr Christine Peta, Global Disability and Disaster Management expert • Shakira Cassim, general manager: ER24 contact centre • Melony Shimane, chief fire and disaster manager, Lekwa Local Municipality • Debbie Bester, owner, Parys Medix and chairperson: Fezile Dabi RIMS • Charlotte Pillay, clinical coordinator, COO Health Tech Leader • Bridgette Zungu, director: EMS, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government • Jabulephiwe Mpitso, manager: Fire and Rescue, OR Tambo International Airport • Natasha Chetty, director, Cross Fire Management • Madelyne van Emmenis, safety manager, Exxaro Resources • Tshidi Lemeko, assistant director: Disaster Management, Fezile Dabi Municipality • Lebogang Mosotho , director: Disaster Management, Limpopo COGSTA • Dr Tlou Raphela-Masuku, senior lecturer, DiMTEC – University of the Free State
Please note that spaces are limited and are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis; early registration is strongly advised. Contact Eminence Corporation Solutions (Pty) Ltd on Tel: +27 10 023 3985 or email: info@ec-s.co.za.
Quote of the week “Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” ~ Robert Collier
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City of Johannesburg EMS receives two new fire engines
The City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services (EMS) officially received two state-of-the-art fire engines on Monday, 30 June 2025, marking a significant step forward in addressing the City’s shortage of operational firefighting vehicles. These newly acquired vehicles form part of the City’s broader strategy to strengthen emergency response capacity across Johannesburg. This delivery is the first phase of a total of sixteen fire engines that the City is in the process of procuring.
Two firefighters killed, another injured in ambush in Idaho, shot at while responding to wildfire, US
An intentionally set brush fire on Canfield Mountain near Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, was used to ambush first responders, leaving two firefighters dead, a third critically wounded and the 20-year-old gunman dead after a five-hour manhunt on Sunday, 29 June 2025. More than 300 local, state and federal officers converged on the mountain; investigators say Wess Roley fired 12-gauge shotgun slugs at the first-arriving crews before fatally shooting himself. Two firefighters were killed while another was injured during the shooting. The deceased were identified as Battalion Chief Frank Harwood, 42, of Kootenai County Fire and Rescue and Battalion Chief John Morrison, 52, of the Coeur d’Alene Fire Department.
Fire breaks out at SAB’s Baragwanath Depot in Soweto, Johannesburg
The City of Johannesburg EMS firefighters responded to a fire incident at the South African Breweries (SAB) Baragwanath Depot in Soweto on Thursday, 26 June 2025. The fire reportedly started in nearby grass, which spread and ignited storage crates within the facility. Firefighting crews remained on scene, conducting salvage and damping down operations, ensuring that there are no flare-ups and that the area is fully secured.
Rescuers evacuate 50 000 people as Turkey battles wildfires
Turkiye has evacuated more than 50,000 residents from 41 settlements in and around its western province of Izmir as firefighters battle wildfires for the second day, according to local authorities. Forestry Minister Ibrahim Yumakli said on Monday, 30 June 2025, that the blaze was fanned overnight by winds reaching 40-50kmph (25-30mph) in Kuyucak and Doganbey areas of Izmir. Helicopters, fire-extinguishing aircraft and other vehicles, and more than 1,000 people were trying to extinguish the fires, Yumakli told reporters in Izmir.
City of Tshwane Emergency Services Department held a successful youth month celebration event
The City of Tshwane Emergency Services Department held a successful event to celebrate Youth Month in Soshanguve on the morning of Friday, 13 June 2025, which was aimed at raising awareness about fire safety and other winter awareness educational programmes. This event, which took place at Soshanguve Crossing Shopping Mall, saw many residents and shoppers stopping at the displays, which included showcasing the various firefighting resources of the Emergency Services Department, such as the units which are briefly described below. Firefighting and related careers were also explained to those who were interested in joining the emergency services. Some educational and basic fire safety materials were shared with the public to promote safety messages.
What is CERT? The training that builds safer, stronger communities
The CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) programme is one of the most empowering things you can be a part of in your community. Whether it’s a natural disaster, a fire, or a medical emergency, CERT gives everyday people the skills to step up when help is needed most. From learning how to safely put out small fires, perform basic search and rescue, to setting up triage and providing first aid, CERT training prepares you to take action when every second counts. It’s not just about saving lives; it’s about building stronger, more resilient neighbourhoods. You never know when you’ll be the one someone is counting on.
Source: Marc Coronel
Phase One of Rural Fire Safety Programme launched in Haarlem, George
George Municipality has launched the first phase of a vital fire safety programme aimed at enhancing fire prevention in rural informal areas, beginning with the community of Haarlem. Last week, municipal firefighters, together with the Mayoral Committee Member (MMC) for Community Safety, Cllr Brendan Adams and attending Councillors, handed over 30 fire blankets and smoke detectors to residents in these areas. The initiative seeks to provide early warning and fire suppression tools to informal structure households, where access to emergency services may be delayed due to the rural location and lack of formal road infrastructure.
Upgrading Wales’ ambulances, UK
Modern ambulances will be responding to emergency 999 calls across Wales, thanks to £22.45 million investment by the Welsh Government. More than 140 new ambulances and vehicles will be part of the first phase of a five year Welsh Ambulance Services fleet strategy, which will see older vehicles replaced with new ambulances and vehicles fitted with the latest technology, materials, and products. The wider strategy, which runs to 2030, includes prioritising electric and hybrid vehicles, where viable, to reduce carbon emissions and covers all vehicles operated by the Welsh Ambulance Service.
NSRI expands Emergency Operations Centre to strengthen coastal safety
The NSRI has completed a major expansion of its Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) at the Volunteer Support Centre in Cape Town, nearly doubling the size of the facility and significantly enhancing its capabilities. This upgrade strengthens the NSRI’s ability to coordinate rescue efforts, monitor beach safety in real time and respond rapidly to emergencies nationwide. At the core of the expansion is the rapid growth of the NSRI’s Beach Safety Camera system.
Coulson Aviation Canada to conduct first night vision aerial firefighting operations with BC Wildfire Service
Coulson Aviation Canada is proud to announce it has been awarded and started a 70-day contract by the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) to provide one of its state-of-the-art Sikorsky S-61 Type 1 helitankers equipped for Night Vision Goggle (NVG) operations. This partnership marks the first time Coulson will conduct live-fire NVG aerial firefighting missions on Canadian soil.
Featured FRI Magazine article: Forcible entry using the Halligan tool by Colin Deiner
This week’s featured Fire and Rescue International magazine article is: Forcible entry using the Halligan tool written by Colin Deiner, Chief Director, Disaster Management and Fire Brigade Services, Western Cape Government (FRI Vol 3 no 6). We will be sharing more technical/research/tactical articles from Fire and Rescue International magazine on a weekly basis with our readers to assist in technology transfer. This will hopefully create an increased awareness, providing you with hands-on advice and guidance. All our magazines are available free of charge in PDF format on our website and online at ISSUU. We also provide all technical articles as a free download in our article archive on our website.
Fire stations of the world: Williamsburg Fire Department’s Fire Station, Virginia, US
In October 2020, the Williamsburg Fire Department’s new fire station solicitation process was initiated, with a design and build agreement made in July 2021. In February 2022, the new fire station project officially began with the demolition of the 1978 station. A new 31,000-square-foot fire station now stands in the same location at 440 N. Boundary Street. Construction took place over a year and 8 months. The ground-breaking of the site took place on Friday, April 22, 2022, and the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new station took place on Wednesday, November 8, 2023. Both events were attended by City officials, fire department personnel past and present, and members of the community.
Technology: From rubble to rescue: The technology changing search and rescue
In recent years, the world has watched in anguish as natural disasters and acts of war have left devastation in their wake. Earthquakes in Turkey (2023), Mexico (2017), and most recently in Thailand just this past March have flattened buildings and buried countless lives under layers of rubble. Just this week, following Iran’s ballistic missile attack on Israel, first responders raced against time to locate survivors trapped beneath collapsed buildings. The first 24-36 hours are crucial and can be the difference between life and death. The good news is that there is a technology that can mitigate the time to find those buried beneath the rubble.
Fitness: Simple tools for firefighter fitness: RIT Team radio podcast
In this episode of RIT Team Radio, “Simple Tools”, host Hussien Jabai is joined by Ryan Provencher to discuss simple tools and resources that firefighters can apply to their training for the longevity of health and wellness. This episode will provide an overview of strategies for alternative training and equipment methods in firefighters’ physical fitness regiment. This episode will also illustrate the potential benefits of using alternative/nontraditional methods, implementation of programming based on movement patterns versus muscle groups, various progression tactics for exercises, and diverse equipment usage.
This structure fire training provides firefighter search and rescue training. Firefighters recap the RESULTS acronym and its meaning for the RIC team.
Source: Fire Spotlight
Vintage: ‘You gotta be a little crazy’: Meet 92 year-old Idaho smoke jumper ‘Wild Bill’
30 years of jumping out of airplanes to fight remote wildfires is quite the career, and ‘Wild Bill’ Yensen is known for exactly that. The McCall-based smoke jumper was honoured in June 2025 for his decades of service fighting wildfires. “I got into smoke jumping when I was in college,” says ‘Wild Bill’ Yensen. He was a US Forest Service smoke jumper from 1953 to 1986, although he missed two years of jumping because he was in the army.
Inspiration: Quote of the week
Just for fun
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in the articles and in any corresponding comments are the opinions of the original authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Fire and Rescue International editorial team or its management.
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