Firefighters on alert this fire season

Firefighters who are part of the Working on Fire-kishugu Joint Venture (WOF-kishugu JV) is ready to join forces with communities and landowners to prepare for the winter fire season.

According to the WOF’s Communication Officer in Gauteng, Mr Parapara Makgahlela, the fire season is gradually setting in, posing significant threats to people, animals, properties, and livelihoods if preventative measures are not taken promptly.

In a 2023 statement, Agri SA reported that fires raging since mid-August last year had destroyed at least R1 billion worth of crops and livestock in the Northern Cape, Free State, North West, and Limpopo.

Climate change exacerbates rising temperatures, leading to extreme weather patterns such as heat waves and droughts, which increase the intensity, frequency, and spread of wildfires, even in previously unaffected areas.

It is fuelling an alarming escalation in wildfire incidents around the globe.
April in 2024 has been marked the hottest month on the record.

The continuous rise in global temperatures as documented by scientists for the 11th consecutive month, underscores the urgent need for proactive measures to mitigate the risks of wildfires.

WOF-Kishugu JV’s has a fleet of aircrafts, vehicles, and firefighters ready to battle wildfires.

Makgahlela also offers some fire safety tips for the communities and landowners.

Landowners must create a defensible space by clearing vegetation and combustible materials from around their home to create a buffer zone that reduces the risk of a fire spreading.

Farmers and landowners are also urged to do fire breaks around their farms with the help of the local authorities such as fire protection associations and public safety departments.

They must also develop an evacuation plan by establishing evacuation routes and communication protocols with family members, neighbours, and local authorities to ensure swift and coordinated action in the event of a fire.

It is better to always stay informed by monitoring weather forecasts, fire danger ratings, and emergency alerts to stay abreast of changing conditions and possible evacuation orders.

It is also better to practice prevention by adhering to fire restrictions and exercise caution when using open flames, equipment, or machinery outdoors. Dispose of cigarette butts and other flammable materials responsibly.

Prepare emergency supplies by assembling a comprehensive emergency kit containing essential supplies such as water, food, first aid kit, and vital documents to sustain you and family during the evacuation.

”By adopting proactive measures and fostering a culture of preparedness, we can collectively mitigate the devastating impact of wildfires on our communities and environment,” he concluded.