High fire danger until Sunday

“The Working on Fire Kishugu Joint Venture in Gauteng cautions the public and landowners to be vigilant of wildfires because the fire danger index indicates the possibility of more fires this week until Sunday, 17 September 2023,” warns WoF’s communication officer, Mr Parapara
Makgahlela.
The fire danger index (FDI) is a rating system that indicates the fire risk for a specific area on a given day.
The organisation’s general manager in Gauteng, Stephen Boyes, says the hot temperatures, low humidity, gusty winds and exceptionally dry vegetation could result in catastrophic fires.
These factors combined are likely to cause deadly fires, which may kill people and animals and destroy livelihoods in farming areas.
”The forecast from Thursday to Sunday is orange and yellow, which is dangerous and very dangerous for wildfires,” he summed up the warning.
Boyes says 15 of their teams, including from the Merafong City municipal area, are on high alert and standby to attend fires. Boyes urges the public to avoid using equipment like chainsaws, angle grinders and lawnmowers during this red alert to avoid sparks or fires. They should also avoid throwing matches or cigarettes from moving cars and properly extinguish any open fire or live coals with water.
He also advises residents to clear dry fuels around their homes and make them less susceptible to fire to prevent any blaze from starting. They should also report unattended fires immediately to local fire authorities, including fire protection associations.
In an emergency, contact the Fochville Fire Protection Association chairperson, Mr Gawie Maritz, at 082 348 3768 or Mr Tom Visser from the Carletonville (Gatsrant) Fire Protection Association at 082 808 2035. The public can also report wildfires to the 107 emergency operation centre at 011 951 300 (cell phone) or 107 (from a landline).