MOSSEL BAY NEWS -  With the several vegetation fires and wildfires in and around Mossel Bay this past month marking a devastating start to the fire season, the Mossel Bay Aero Club has urged residents to be understanding of the aerial firefighting operations that will take place in the coming months.

Hartog Blok, secretary of the club, which is based at the Mossel Bay Airfield in Aalwyndal, said these efforts will include helicopters and a fixed-wing aircraft. One helicopter and one spotter aircraft have been assigned to the Mossel Bay area by Working on Fire.

Blok said the fire season starts this month and will extend all the way into May. 

"These aircraft play a vital role in assisting Working on Fire and other firefighting teams in protecting lives, property and the environment across our region,"  he said.

"While their operations are essential, we acknowledge they can be noisy at times, particularly during periods of heightened fire activity," said Blok.

"We kindly ask for the community's understanding and support during these operations, as these aerial teams perform an essential service to help keep our region safe from the threat of wildfires," Blok said. 

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