South African Firefighters Do An Emotional Praise Dance Before Fighting Canadian Wildfires
by Melanie Yvette

June 10, 2023

South African Firefighters Do An Emotional Praise Dance Before Fighting Canadian Wildfires

One thing about Black folks, we’re going to bring good energy wherever we go — even to help eradicate the Canadian wildfires. Our people know how to heal, OK? 

Two hundred South African firefighters arrived in Edmonton, Canada, on June 4 and performed a traditional song and dance, eager to get rid of the fires that had been intensifying over the past six weeks, WFAA reported.

According to OkayAfrica, a video posted to Facebook of the firefighters waving their flag proudly and dancing with all their being went viral on Twitter and TikTok. Many Canadian users sent well wishes and gratitude to the men and women risking their lives to fight the wildfires.

Those who were fortunate to witness the performance in person noted how emotional the moment was and detailed their experience on Twitter. The video has since gone viral on social media, with concerned people all over the world witnessing the effects of climate change.

This may be one of Canada’s worst starts to the wildfire season ever, and it’s understandable that worldwide help is appreciated. 

In the United States, the East Coast experienced the fires’ smoky aftermath, with an eerie orange haze filtering New York, New Jersey, and Washington D.C.; residents were warned to stay inside. Some schools were closed in New York City and New Jersey on June 9  due to poor air quality. 

The Canada wildfires have been affecting millions on the East Coast and even the Midwest. Seeing the South African firefighters bring their morale and support through traditional song and dance is not only uplifting, it can also remind us just how much we need each other, as fires and climate change continue to affect our seasonal experiences. 

 


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