Veld fires cause huge damage around Carletonville and surrounding areas
Massive damage has been done so far.
Although veld fires in the Fochville area made news headlines last week, huge damage was also done by fires elsewhere in our area.
According to the chairperson of the Gatsrand Fire Protection Association, Tom Visser, a total of 28 veld fires occured in July this year alone. The Gatsrand Fire Protection Association deals with fires in the Greater Carletonville area, which includes land belonging to the mines and around towns such as Welverdiend and Blybank.
These fires burned 4 335 hectares of land and caused damage to the amount of R4.8 million.
“This is one of our worst fire seasons in recent years. We urge land owners to join the association,” says Visser. Landowners who are part of a fire protection association get free help if a fire should rage on their property, among other things.
Meanwhile, members of the public, whether they are staying in towns or in rural areas, are still warned that the West Rand District Municipality has placed a prohibition on the making of all open fires, including the burning of rubbish and the making of firebreaks.
For further information or to report a fire, contact the district municipality’s Fire and Rescue Services on 072 177 5831 or WhatsApp them on 068 571 8146.
Landowners who want to join the Gatsrand Fire Protection Association can contact Visser on 082 808 2035.
