South Africa hosts AEME Earthquake Response Exercise 2025
From 1 to 5 December 2025, South Africa hosted one of the most ambitious disaster-preparedness events on the African continent — the Africa, Europe and Middle East (AEME) Earthquake Response Exercise (ERE) 2025. Organised by the National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) under the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), this multi-day simulation marked a major milestone in regional and international emergency response cooperation.
A First for Africa — Regional and global collaboration The AEME Earthquake Response Exercise brought together disaster managers, responders, and humanitarian partners from across the Africa, Europe and Middle East region. Hosted at Nelson Mandela University in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, the exercise was the first of its kind on the African continent, underscoring South Africa’s growing role as a continental hub for emergency response and preparedness.
The exercise is part of the global programme of the International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG), which operates under the framework of United Nations General Assembly Resolution 57/150. INSARAG exercises are designed to strengthen international cooperation and coordination for Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) and complex disaster response operations.
Objectives: Preparedness, coordination and response The core goal of the AEME ERE was to test and enhance disaster response systems across multiple levels — national, provincial, municipal and international, particularly for large-scale earthquakes and associated cascading hazards. Scenarios included not only structural collapse but also flooding, hazardous material incidents, disruptions to essential services, and massive humanitarian needs.
Key objectives included: • Evaluating and improving emergency coordination among government entities, emergency services, and humanitarian actors. • Testing interoperability between South African and international teams, including INSARAG USAR units, Emergency Medical Teams (EMTs) and United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) experts. • Validating national frameworks and protocols for disaster response and international support. • Developing a common operational picture to guide large-scale disaster operations. • Building practical skills through simulations, workshops, tabletop exercises and field drills.
The AEME ERE drew a diverse group of participants, from government disaster management centres to international response teams. Delegations included representatives from Russia, United Arab Emirates, Iceland, Estonia, Poland, Kenya, Malaysia and United Kingdom.
Alongside these international participants were national disaster management officials, provincial and municipal responders, fire services, police, emergency medical services, defence forces, and humanitarian NGOs. These multi-sectoral collaborations reflect a shared understanding that earthquake response requires integrated multi-agency action — from frontline rescue operations to medical assistance and coordination of relief efforts.
Leadership and strategic messaging At the official opening, Director-General Mbulelo Tshangana emphasised that disasters “know no borders” and that effective planning and partnerships are critical to saving lives and protecting communities. He highlighted that disasters are becoming more frequent and complex due to climate change, infrastructure vulnerabilities, and rapid urbanisation — making preparedness indispensable.
Similarly, at the closing of the exercise, Deputy Minister Prince Zolile Burns-Ncamashe called for clear legislation and strengthened disaster-response systems to ensure fast, coordinated responses in real crises. He underscored that no country can face disasters alone and that global partnerships and shared readiness are essential.
Practical components of the exercise Throughout the week, participating teams engaged in several key activities: • Scenario-based field simulations replicating earthquake aftermath conditions. • Tabletop exercises that tested inter-agency communication and strategic decision-making. • Workshops and training modules focusing on coordination, rescue operations, shelter management, and relief logistics. • Development of a unified common operating picture, enabling all actors to work from the same situational understanding.
These activities not only tested existing systems but offered a platform for peer learning, capacity building, and exchange of best practices among highly experienced international teams and South African responders.
Significance and legacy The AEME Earthquake Response Exercise 2025 stands out not only for its scale and international reach but for its strategic importance in strengthening disaster readiness across regions. By hosting this landmark event, South Africa reaffirmed its commitment to: • Enhancing national and regional response capabilities • Deepening cooperation with global humanitarian frameworks • Positioning itself as a leader in disaster management education and practice • Investing in resilience that transcends borders and sectors
As disasters grow in frequency and complexity around the world, exercises like the AEME ERE serve as critical platforms for governments and partners to learn, adapt and prepare together because when calamities strike, preparedness can be the difference between life and death.
Sources: Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Cogta Eastern Cape, South African Government News Agency, SABC News
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SAESI 2025 Conference, exhibition and competitions held in Boksburg, Ekurhuleni
The Southern African Emergency Services Institute (SAESI) hosted its much-anticipated 33rd annual SAESI Conference, Exhibition and Challenges over 27 and 28 November 2025 at the Leon Ferreira Fire Station in Boksburg, Gauteng; a cornerstone event for fire, rescue and emergency services professionals in South Africa. The SAESI 2025 Conference, themed “Collaborate, Train, Innovate,” brought together fire and emergency service members from across South Africa to share knowledge, strengthen professional networks and advance operational excellence. Organised by SAESI, a non-profit institute dedicated to improving the fire and emergency services sector, the conference is widely regarded as one of the most important calendar events for firefighters, emergency managers, disaster response leaders and related practitioners.
Australian firefighter killed as bushfires destroy homes in two states
A season of intense bushfires sweeping across Australia has turned deadly, with at least one experienced firefighter losing his life and around 40 homes destroyed across two states as blazes continued to spread amid hot, dry and windy conditions. On Sunday night, 7 December 2025, a 59-year-old firefighter was killed while fighting bushfires north of Sydney in New South Wales (NSW). The veteran crew member, part of the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), was struck by a falling tree amid active fireground operations near Bulahdelah, approximately 200 km north of the city and later suffered a cardiac arrest. Emergency responders performed CPR but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Mangaung Metro appoints Patrick Senti as new chief fire officer
On Tuesday, 9 December 2025, the Mangaung Metro Municipality celebrated a proud milestone with the appointment of its first African Chief Fire Officer. Patrick Senti, who steps into the role as the first black chief fire officer in 101 years, describes the appointment as both an honour and a responsibility he embraces wholeheartedly. “I’m truly honoured and grateful for the opportunity given to me by the MMM. They have trusted me with this responsibility, and I will ensure the municipality moves forward. Service delivery must reach the people, and I will be there for the community of Mangaung,” he says.
Roof collapses during NYC 4-alarm apartment fire, New York, US
A massive fire caused the roof of an Upper West Side apartment building to collapse, leaving four people hurt, including a firefighter, and sending debris tumbling to the sidewalk, FDNY officials said. The fire broke out on the top floor of the six-storey building on Tuesday, 9 December 2025, FDNY Chief of Operations Kevin Woods said. “At about 08h20am on Tuesday morning, the FDNY responded to a 4-alarm fire at 201 West 107th Street in Manhattan. Units arrived in just over three minutes. Firefighters and Rescue Paramedics escorted two civilians out of the building to be treated by EMS. One firefighter was treated for a minor burn injury. When we arrived, we had heavy, heavy fire on the top floor and through the roof”.
Firefighting pioneer, Arlene Wehr, calls time on a stellar career, Cape Town
Arlene Wehr, one of the first females to wear the firefighter’s uniform in Cape Town, is retiring after 29 years of decorated service. Wehr joined the City of Cape Town’s Fire and Rescue Service in 1996, becoming only the third female to do so at the time. Wehr left a job in the private sector to pursue a career as a firefighter – following in the footsteps of relatives in the service. In 2004, Wehr became the first female Station Officer in the service and in 2014 she became the first female Divisional Commander. In June 2019, she unlocked yet another new chapter when she was appointed Head: Operations – District West, becoming the first woman to fill a position at this level since the Fire and Rescue Service was established in 1845.
E-bike ambulance fleet rides out at half marathon, UK
An independent ambulance service will debut its first fully medically equipped e-bike fleet. Acute Ambulance and Medical Services Ltd (AAMS), based in Milton Keynes in Buckinghamshire, England, is putting the bikes into action at the city’s Winter Half Marathon. The company said it was the first time the fully equipped emergency response units had been deployed at a sports event in the UK. Director Kieren Gibson said they would be used for “rapid deployment for things like cardiac arrest, significantly increasing patient survival rate”.
Fire breaks out at farm and lifestyle venue, Plettenburg Bay
A fire broke out at the Shabby Fufu Lifestyle Farm and Venue, a much-loved farm destination and lifestyle venue near Plettenberg Bay on Sunday, 7 December 2025 at 23h08. Bitou Fire and Rescue Services chief fire office Hedley Venter, said, “The call was received at 23h08 from the SAPS and the first vehicle was on scene at 23h18, followed by tanker pumper and a tanker. Response included three vehicles and five staff members, one senior firefighter and firefighters from Bitou Fire and Rescue, Vehicles included one tanker pumper, one tanker and one LDV/skid. Harkerville Rural Response responded with a Buffel.”
Intersec Awards 2026 to celebrate the leaders shaping the future of security, safety and fire protection
The Intersec Awards 2026 has officially revealed its shortlist of companies, products and individuals who will compete for the industry’s most coveted accolades when winners are announced on 13 January 2026 during the Intersec Awards Gala Dinner at the Conrad Hotel Dubai. Now entering its fifth edition, the Intersec Awards have become a benchmark of excellence across the global security, safety and fire protection industries across 17 categories, reflecting the continued expansion and diversification of the sector as organisations embrace technology, innovation and leadership to address tomorrow’s challenges today.
Cape Town crews respond to fire at spares shop, Elsies River
A fire broke out at a motor spares shop in Epping Avenue, Elsies River in Cape Town on Wednesday, 10 December 2025. Jermaine Carelse, spokesperson at the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Service, said, “The call was received at about 13h20 of a motor spares shop well alight in Epping Avenue. Numerous resources were called to the scene including specialised vehicles and the IMT 4 team.”
On June 3-4, 2026, more than 300 senior fire chiefs and strategic leaders will meet in Hannover, Germany, for the inaugural FEU Leadership Conference, held in partnership with Deutsche Messe as part of Interschutz 2026, the world’s leading trade fair for fire and rescue services, civil protection, safety and security. Organised by the Federation of EU Fire Officers (FEU), this high-level event unites Europe’s strategic fire leadership network to confront the challenges shaping our collective future. Over two days, the conference will feature thought-provoking keynotes and dialogues with senior voices from the European Commission, NATO and leading international agencies. Together, we will explore how Europe’s fire and civil protection services can strengthen resilience in a world defined by hybrid threats, climate extremes, AI revolution and evolving leadership dynamics.
Featured FRI Magazine article: So, who is responsible for managing veldfires in the urban interface? Part four: Fire suppression plans for the urban interface by Zane Erasmus
This week’s featured Fire and Rescue International magazine article is: So, who is responsible for managing veldfires in the urban interface? Part four: Fire suppression plans for the urban interface written by Zane Erasmus, independent environmental consultant (FRI Vol 3 no 10). 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: Florida’s Captiva Island Fire District in the US opened new fire station in 2015
The grand opening of the Captiva Island Fire Control District’s new station took place on Saturday, 18 July 2015 at 14981 Captiva Drive, Captiva Island in Florida, US. The new Captiva Island Fire Control District Fire Station located in the historic district of Captiva Island is a 9 000 square foot, two-storey building with three back-in apparatus bays. The building consisted of first floor administration, apparatus bay, equipment rooms and decontamination area. The second floor consists of living quarters with bunk rooms that can accommodate up to six fire fighters, a full kitchen, weight room and exterior porch. This fire station is located on a compact site that will include an emergency generator capable of powering the entire facility in the case of an emergency. Other site features include underground storm water and septic tank with a lift station.
Technology: Firefighting Simulator: Ignite – A deep dive into the ultimate firefighting experience
Released on 9 September 2025, Firefighting Simulator: Ignite is a modern action-simulation video game developed by weltenbauer. Software Entwicklung GmbH and published by astragon Entertainment. Available on PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, the title puts players directly into the boots of a firefighter tasked with combating dangerous blazes, rescuing civilians and coordinating tactical responses in a richly detailed virtual world. At its core, Ignite strives for realism. Powered by Unreal Engine 5, the game simulates dynamic fire, smoke, heat and water physics in realtime, creating visually impressive and unpredictable fire behaviour that demands careful strategy and teamwork from the player. Flames can spread, backdrafts and flashovers can occur and smoke behaves in a way that affects visibility and safety — forcing players to think like real firefighters. The game places you in the role of a US firefighter operating in a detailed Midwestern city environment, where every emergency call feels distinct and urgent. From suburban house fires to complex industrial blazes, Ignite offers a wide range of scenarios that test both your tactical thinking and response speed.
Fitness: Firefighter does 100 pullups with SCBA pack
Firefighter Furnace fitness coach does 100 pull ups with full SCBA pack in 9:30.
Vintage: 16mm Classic Canadian documentary Montreal fire fighters short: “The Price of Fire” (1960)
Source: Canada 150 Archive
Inspiration: Quote of the week
Just for fun
Bad elf! Source: Firefighters Australia
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