Warning issued against veld fires

The municipality has warned people to be on high alert for veld fires, as a result of dry conditions.

William Ntladi, spokesperson for Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS), said veld or bush fires can easily be sparked and will spread rapidly in strong winds.

He listed the following precautions:

•Don’t make fires in the open and/or leave fires unattended

•Don’t throw lit cigarette butts out of vehicles or in the open veld

•Don’t throw bottles in the veld as they can magnify the sun’s rays and start fires

•Prepare and maintain fire breaks in a controlled manner

•In the case of a large fire, report it immediately and move away from the area to let the professionals deal with it

•In case of veld fires along roads, motorists should approach obscured road sections caused by smoke with great caution

•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

•Listen to the news and obey the instructions from disaster management officers.

In case of emergencies, call 10177 or 011 458 0911/cellphone 112.

Ensure that you have the emergency call centre telephone numbers saved and visible at all times.

Speak clearly on the phone when reporting an emergency.

Provide the operator with all the details required.

Do not end the conversation until all questions are answered and clarified.