Forestry Fire Fighting Readiness at the MTO South Fire Competition
MTO’s annual Fire Fighting Competition took place at Concordia on Friday, 21 August 2026, bringing together 15 teams from across the forestry sector for a full day of practical challenges, teamwork and fire-readiness training.
Participants included seven MTO teams representing Longmore, Witelsbos, Lottering, Kruisfontein, Garcia, Jonkershoek and Concordia. They were joined by three Working on Fire teams, two PG Bison teams, two SANParks teams and a student team from Saasveld.
The event continues to grow in popularity, with participation reaching capacity this year due to the time required for every team to complete the competition’s fitness and practical components.
Why the MTO South Fire Fighting Competition Matters
The competition forms an important part of MTO’s Integrated Fire Management strategy. It gives silviculture workers and forestry fire fighting teams an opportunity to test their fitness, practical skills and ability to work safely and effectively under pressure.
MTO has also replaced its older fire-truck fleet, making regular training essential to ensure that firefighters are familiar with the vehicles, tools and equipment available to them. The competition provides a practical setting in which teams can test this equipment while confirming that firefighting vehicles, tools and personal protective equipment remain in good working order.
Above all, the event reinforces the importance of protecting both MTO’s plantations and the people responsible for responding to fire emergencies. Effective fire readiness depends on trained teams, reliable equipment, clear communication and a strong commitment to safety.
Building Skills Throughout the Year
The annual event is the culmination of similar competitions held at plantation level, where proto teams have an opportunity to practise and strengthen their skills before progressing to the main competition.
These plantation-level events form an important part of ongoing preparation. The improvement in fitness, teamwork and equipment handling demonstrated by participants from year to year reflects the value of regular practical training.
Practical Forestry Fire Fighting Challenges
Competitors completed a demanding series of timed activities designed to reflect situations they may encounter during real firefighting operations.
The challenges included:
2.4km fitness test,
clearing a tree from a roadway,
constructing a fire belt,
working with canvas and rubber hoses, and
completing a water-suction exercise using a fire truck.
Although speed contributed to the final results, teams were also required to demonstrate sound communication, teamwork, equipment proficiency and the ability to complete each activity safely.
MTO’s Risk Manager joined participants for the 2.4km fitness test, leading by example and reinforcing the importance of fitness and safe participation.
Buddy, the MTO mascot, also kept spirits high throughout the day by showing off his dance moves and encouraging the teams.
Following a full day of competition, participants were treated to lunch and received a parcel to take home in recognition of their involvement.
MTO South Fire Fighting Competition 2026 Winners
The results remained competitive throughout the day. PG Bison PG Bison Ruigtevlei ultimately secured first place with a combined fitness and practical time of 36 minutes and 36 seconds.
MTO Kruisfontein followed in second place with a time of 39 minutes and 20 seconds, while MTO Longmore took third place in 40 minutes and 45 seconds.
The final results were:
A special Best Team Spirit award was introduced this year and presented to the Concordia Inferno Warriors, recognising the enthusiasm and energy they brought to the competition.
While the results inspired plenty of friendly rivalry, the event’s greater purpose was to strengthen fire preparedness across the participating regions. Every team contributed to a successful day and demonstrated that effective fire readiness is built through training, discipline, teamwork and continuous improvement.
Thank you to everyone who participated, supported the teams and helped make the competition possible. MTO also extends its appreciation to the event’s sponsors and partners, including SANParks, EVS, STIHL and the South Cape Fire Protection Association.
Fire readiness remains an ongoing priority across MTO’s plantations. Learn more about our Integrated Fire Management approach and the strategies we have implemented to strengthen fire prevention, preparedness and response.
