06/09/2026
๐ฅ MEET THE MAN BEHIND THE DISPATCH! ๐๐
When a fire is reported in the Letaba FPA area, there is someone working behind the scenes to make sure the right resources get to the right place, Simon Malatjie, the man at the heart of the Letaba FPA Dispatch Office.
Simon is a vital link in the firefighting chain. When the call comes in, he coordinates the dispatch of firefighting teams and ensures crews receive the critical information they need, including the fire location, fuel type, weather conditions and other factors that can influence fire behaviour. ๐ฅ๐ฌ๏ธ
When aerial firefighting support is required, Simon is also coordinating with spotter and helicopter pilots, providing them with the information and ongoing updates they need to operate safely and effectively. ๐โ๏ธ
And his work doesn't stop when there isn't a fire. Every day, Simon keeps fire stations and Letaba FPA members on the Letaba FPA Fires WhatsApp group updated with the latest Fire Danger Index (FDI) ratings, helping members stay informed and prepared.
During fire season, long hours and high-pressure situations are simply part of the job. Simon consistently goes the extra mile to keep the communication flowing and help ensure that firefighting resources are where they are needed most.
๐ Thank you, Simon, for the dedication, commitment and countless hours you put in to supporting fire response across the Letaba region.
You may not see him on the fire line ,but when the call comes in, Simon is one of the people making the response happen. ๐ฅ๐
Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Mopani District Municipality Greater Tzaneen Municipality
