A Merry Christmas to all from all of us at FRI Media!
In a blink of an eye, we are approaching Christmas and year end! 2025 has, like all years prior, left its imprint on us and we have left our imprint on it. We gained loved ones and have lost loved ones, made new friends and lost some friends.
That brings us to time. Time is never promised. We might not always appreciate the value of time; however, we fully understand it when it runs out. Let us make the most of time now and in the future. Hug your loved ones, spend time with your family, friends, colleagues and pets. Time is precious and is also priceless. It is the most beautiful gift you can give!
With Christmas around the corner, we would like to share this inspirational message from the North Pole, “Just remember, the true spirit of Christmas lies in your heart.”
As we are readying ourselves for 2026, let’s take our lessons learnt with us and use them as stepping stones into the New Year, embracing its opportunities and challenges with open arms and guiding and supporting others through the year ahead. And above all, share your lessons learnt and be mentor to those around you, irrelevant of your or their rank/position.
A VERY BIG THANK YOU to all our readers and advertisers for their support! But also a big thank you to those who regularly submit articles and photos on incidents, ensuring that the industry stays updated. Your support is priceless!
To all our first responders that are on duty during the Festive Season, we wish you an uneventful period and, in the event of an incident, a positive outcome. To those travelling on holiday, travel safe and enjoy the rest and to those staying at home, spending time with family and friends, may it be a memorable time!
The Fire and Rescue International offices are closed for the Festive Season and will reopen in January 2026. This is the last newsletter for this year. We trust that you have enjoyed the weekly FRI Newsletter during 2025 and found it informative and useful. Keep reading and supporting us in 2026!
Wishing all a safe, incident-free and Blessed Christmas and a very positive, proactive, happy and inspirational 2026!
Quote of the week “It’s not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.” ~ Mother Teresa
““When we recall Christmas past, we usually find that the simplest things, not the great occasions, give off the greatest glow of happiness.” ~ Bob Hope
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Tragedy at Verulam when four storey temple collapses, Durban
On Friday, 12 December 2025, a four-storey structure under construction at the New Ahobilam Temple of Protection in Redcliffe, Verulam, north of Durban in KwaZulu-Natal, collapsed during construction activity, reportedly while concrete was being poured on the upper levels. The temple, situated on the River Range Ranch, was built to resemble a cave. Five people including temple founder Vick Panday, Vasudeva Datta Das, Kishore Hurribhujan, Jayseelan (Jayce) Perumal and Abdul Prabhus died in the collapse. Survivors were communicating via voice notes from under the building.
Tragic plane crash kills NASCAR Legend Greg Biffle and family, US
On Thursday, 18 December 2025, a private business jet crashed during a landing attempt at Statesville Regional Airport in Statesville, North Carolina, killing seven people, including former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle, his wife Cristina, their two children and three others. The aircraft was a Cessna Citation 550 business jet registered to GB Aviation Leasing LLC, a company associated with Greg Biffle. The jet departed from Statesville Regional Airport shortly before 10h15am ET on December 18, bound initially for Sarasota, Florida, with plans to continue on to the Bahamas later.
City of Tshwane Emergency Services Department strengthens firefighting capacity and honours service excellence
In the City of Tshwane’s endeavour to serving over four million residents and promoting fire safety, the Emergency Services Department (ESD) has successfully trained former Emergency Medical Officers to qualify as firefighters. The auspicious occasion took place at Moretele Park Resort in the heart of Mamelodi surrounded by beautiful mountains. This initiative strengthens the Fire Services by integrating personnel who already possess critical medical expertise, a strong understanding of emergency response and a deep commitment to saving lives and protecting property. The newly trained firefighters bring valuable skills that enhance operational efficiency and emergency preparedness across the city.
Mass shooting at Bondi Beach, Sidney, Australia
On 14 December 2025, in the late afternoon at Bondi Beach in eastern Sydney, a mass shooting erupted during a public Hanukkah celebration known as Chanukah by the Sea, a Jewish festival attended by hundreds of community members and families. At approximately 18h47 (AEDT), two armed men opened fire from a pedestrian footbridge near Campbell Parade, close to Archer Park and the children’s playground. Multiple eyewitnesses initially thought the loud blasts were fireworks before the reality of gunfire became clear. The shooters fired many rounds at the crowd, causing chaos as people ran for cover, some into the ocean, others into cafes, shops and nearby buildings.
Charnaud® marks 50 years with ‘Race to the Top’ – A first responder endurance challenge with lasting impact
As part of its 50th anniversary celebrations, South African protective clothing manufacturer Charnaud® hosted Race to the Top, a firefighter stair climb challenge, on Saturday, 6 December 2025, at The Leonardo, South Africa’s tallest building. Fifty first responders – including firefighters and emergency medical services personnel – from across South Africa, took on the demanding challenge of climbing 57 floors, 1 192 stairs and 234 vertical metres, fully equipped in structural firefighting gear. More than just a test of physical endurance, the event was designed to reflect the realities faced daily by first responders and to honour their unwavering commitment to public safety.
Intersec 2026 brings NFPA and ASFP to Dubai stage
As fire safety challenges continue to evolve worldwide, the UAE remains at the forefront through innovation, investment and international collaboration. Both the public and private sectors are increasingly focused on strengthening resilience, improving emergency response and incorporating smarter technologies into fire protection strategies. In response to these dynamics, the Fire and Rescue sector returns to Intersec 2026 as a comprehensive exhibition and conference platform, bringing together global manufacturers, regulators, engineers, civil defence authorities and frontline responders under one roof. Taking place from 12 to 14 January 2026 at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Ports and Borders Security Council, fire and rescue remains one of the five key sectors at Intersec and is set to provide critical insight and innovation as part of the largest edition of the show to date.
KwaZulu Private Ambulance vehicle receives major upgrades
A major upgrade to KwaZulu Private Ambulance’s key support vehicle is set to improve emergency response in the region, giving first responders and patients crucial protection during some of the most dangerous moments on provincial roads. On Tuesday, 9 December 2025, the service officially unveiled its newly enhanced Pietermaritzburg Scene Safety unit at the J&A Brokers offices, a moment staff described as a major step forward in preventing tragedy before it strikes. For those who arrive first at crash scenes, danger does not only come from mangled metal or speeding traffic.
Nigeria fire outbreak damages major timber market
In a devastating fire outbreak that struck the Gombe timber market, one of the region’s key commercial hubs for wood and lumber products, traders and residents were left counting heavy losses as flames tore through shops and goods late on Monday evening, 15 December 2025. The fire erupted at about 20h00 at the Gombe Timber Market (locally known as Kasuwar Katako), situated close to the Railway Station in Gombe State’s capital.
Toughest Firefighter Alive (TFA) – Aphiwe from Swellendam
Aphiwe Ndukumbini from SWELLENDAM in the Western Cape from EMS Rescue Services claimed the title of Overall TFA Champion, beating firm favourite and previous seven time champion Emile Conrad from the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Fire Services, followed by Manie Gouws from the Westrand N’zuri, who secured third place. Aphiwe’s story is one of resilience, dedication, and community-mindedness. Originally from the Eastern Cape, Aphiwe moved to Swellendam in 2017 and quickly became an integrated and valued member of the local emergency services, working as a paramedic and rescue technician. His approach to helping others has always leaned toward rescue and lifesaving, highlighting his deep commitment to making a tangible difference.
Europe faces worst wildfire year on record as fire seasons grow longer and more destructive
The 2024 forest fires report from the Commission’s Joint Research Centre confirms a longer and more intense fire season. Major fires have increased every year since 2017 and the 2024 data confirm the upward trend. The 2024 fire season ended with a total burnt area of 383 317 hectares. While this is lower than the 500 000 hectares burnt in 2023 due in part to intermittent rainfall across the Mediterranean during spring and summer, it is still above the 17-year average of 354 185 hectares. In 2024, 8 343 fires were reported in total.
Swift Ekurhuleni Fire response saves multimillion-rand medical equipment factory
The City of Ekurhuleni’s Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS) demonstrated exceptional proficiency and rapid response, successfully containing a fire incident at a multimillion-rand factory in the Germiston industrial area. The facility is a crucial manufacturer of medical equipment vials. The emergency call was logged by the City’s Life-Threatening Centre at 13h51 on Tuesday, 16 December 2025. Firefighting teams were immediately dispatched from multiple stations, including Germiston, Wadeville, Vosloorus, Thokoza and Boksburg, ensuring an overwhelming and rapid deployment of resources.
The Carol of the bells: Come on South Africa, we can do this!!
Sources: Scales Mound Fire Department, US; Rescue department of Central Ostrobothnia and Pietarsaari, Sweden; City of Red Wing, US; New Mexico State Police; 9 News; The Bands of HM Royal Marines; City of Winchester VA
Red and yellow brigade spreads Christmas cheer, Cape Town
The City of Cape Town’s Fire and Rescue Services and Shoprite/Checkers are lending a helping hand to Santa by delivering gifts and festive treats to six community social welfare organisations. A fire truck loaded with Christmas goodies made its first delivery to the social services organisation, BADISA in Bellville South, on Friday, 19 December 2025. The other deliveries take place next week to United Sanctuary Against Abuse (Atlantis), Yizani Community Drop in Centre (Woodstock), Little Angels (Somerset West), Solomons Haven (New Woodlands) and Holiday Children’s Home (Masiphumelele).
Featured FRI Magazine article: ICS and Disaster Management Training in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa by Chief Ronald R Spadafora, chief of fire prevention, Fire Department of New York (FDNY) and Chief Timothy M Murphy
This week’s featured Fire and Rescue International magazine article is: ICS and Disaster Management Training in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa written by Ronald R Spadafora, chief of fire prevention, Fire Department of New York (FDNY) and Timothy M Murphy, deputy fire operations specialist, US Forest Service and technical lead for the NIMS/ICS Programme in southern Africa (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: Aberystwyth Fire Station in Ceredigion, Wales in the UK
Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS) in the UK hosted the official opening of its brand new Community Fire Station in Aberystwyth on Thursday, 13 October 2016. The state of the art development, undertaken by Carmarthenshire developers WRW Group, is located on the former station’s ground at Penparcau Road, Trefechan. The new two-storey building incorporates three fire appliance bays, office accommodation for Ceredigion County Command as well as community facilities, including a cafe, which will be open to the public. The new £1,6 million Community Fire Station facility boasts many pioneering qualities, which includes being built to a Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM).
Technology: Australians and New Zealanders ready for AI-powered emergency response, new research finds
A new independent research study demonstrates that Australians and New Zealanders want to share their personal data with emergency services and see them use AI and advanced technology to improve the delivery of their vital services – an overwhelming 86% of respondents report feeling comfortable sharing their exact location data with emergency services, while a significant 58% support the use of AI to detect critical keywords in emergency calls, such as “knife” or “collision” to accelerate emergency response. The study, conducted by independent market research firm Researchscape, consulted more than 2,500 residents across the two countries in September 2025.
Fitness: Every Firefighter should train in FULL GEAR! Here’s why…
Should firefighters train in full gear? It may be controversial but I think every firefighter should train in full gear once a month or at least once per quarter. In this video, I take you through a workout wearing my full gear and SCBA. It’s hot, it’s heavy and it pushes me to the edge, physically and mentally. This isn’t about looking tough, it’s about being prepared when it counts.
Source: Mitch Gourley
Training: Search using flashlights
Search using flashlights.
Source: Harvest Fire-Rescue-EMS Training Division
Vintage: The wildfires of 1910
Source: NWCG – National Wildfire Coordinating Group
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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