SA Weather Services warns abouts veld fires
Veld or bush fires can easily be sparked and will spread rapidly in strong winds.
The South African Weather Services (SAWS) has warned residents of dangerous veld fires due to prolonged periods of little and no rain, coupled with warm dry strong winds.
Veld or bush fires can easily be sparked and will spread rapidly in strong winds.
Precautions – dangerous veld/bush fire conditions:
r Don’t make fires in the open and/or leave fires unattended.
r Don’t throw lit cigarette butts out of vehicles or in the open veld. It is by far too common a practice.
r Don’t throw bottles in the veld as they can magnify the sun’s rays and start fires.
r Prepare and maintain fire breaks in controlled manner.
r In the case of a large fire, report it immediately and move away from the area to let the professionals deal with it.
r In case of veld fires along the roads, motorists should approach obscured road sections by smoke with great caution.
r Never throw water onto a fire started by an electrical fault or fires started by oil or paraffin lamps. In this case sand or a blanket should be used to smother the fire.
r Listen to the radio or TV for warnings and obey the instructions from disaster management officers.
