Wildfires continue to flare up in large parts of the Waterberg

Working on Fire (WoF) Limpopo has disclosed that the Waterberg experienced more wildfires comparable to the rest of the province.

WoF spokesperson Matema Gwangwa reported that a total of 930 hectres in Bela-Bela’s Spa Park were lost to runaway wildfires between Sunday 13 October and Tuesday 15 October.

A team of firefighters from Vaalwater’s Leseding and Mookgophong bases was deployed to combat the fires. Wildfires were also reported in Loubad, an area between Alma and Vaalwater.

Gwangwa said this year’s winter fire season was more intense, comparable to the same period last year.

Firefighters were also enlisted to douse out multiple fires in Rooiberg, Thabazimbi and surrounding areas.

Gwangwa said due to the climate change, it was anticipated that more wildfires could hit Waterberg in coming weeks.

“It will be a blessing if we have rain as soon as possible, as that will reduce the amount of risk,” she explained.

WoF firefighters have been kept on their toes by multiple wildfires that are burning across the province, responding to a total of 161 fires since the beginning of the 2019 winter fire season.

— The BEAT