35 flareups reported across Limpopo

Firefighters from across Limpopo have thus far responded to no less than 35 wildfires between April and July.

More than 600 firefighters from across Limpopo were kept firmly behind their hoses for long hours fighting the scourge of fires often started by a burning cigarette.

Working on Fire (WoF) Limpopo spokesperson, Matema Gwangwa, said to date, the Department of Environmental Affairs’ initiative has responded to 35 wildfires from April to July.

She cautioned that with the dry grass and the end of the rain season, sporadic flare-ups were likely to increase in months to come, especially during the windy month of August, through into
September.

On a positive note, she explained, damage to property and prevailing danger to human health were minimal.

She said the 35 wildfires were put down over an overall 445,3 hectres of grass vegetation.

“Some of the WoF firefighters have been engaged with projects in the province assisting landowners, fire protection associations, communities and others in the implementation of the integrated
fire management systems, to assist in preventing and reducing the high rate of wildfires in the province,” Gwangwa said.

“Working closely with our stakeholders has impacted positively on the quick response to the fires and also in protecting the environment and saving lives. We urge all communities to be alert
and vigilant and also to report all unwanted or unattended fires to the relevant authorities,” she added.

Reducing risk of fire flare-ups:
1. Do not throw burning cigarettes close to bushes and dry grass
2. Trim or remove dead /dry plants, grasses, etc. away from your home.
3. Clear gutters and vents from dry vegetation before every fire season
4. Clear a firebreak around your home/property
5 Keep firewood and other potential fuels (paraffin, petrol, etc.) safely away from potential flammable materials
6. Ensure open fires wont spread by clearing the area around it from potential flammable materials
7. Never leave fires unattended
8. Never burn garbage on a high-risk day
9. Do not play with matches.
10. Make sure there are no illegal electrical connections near your home.

— The BEAT