The South African Weather Service (SAWS) is warning residents about the possibility of dangerous veld fires due to the prolonged period of little to no rain coupled with warm, dry, strong winds.
Veld or bush fires can easily be sparked and will spread rapidly in strong winds.
Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS) has the following tips for the community:
- Don’t make fires in the open and/or leave fires unattended.
- Don’t throw lit cigarette butts out of vehicles or in the open veld. It is by far too common a practice.
- Don’t throw bottles in the veld as they can magnify the sun’s rays and start fires.
- Prepare and maintain fire breaks in a controlled manner.
- In the case of a large fire report it immediately and move away from the area to let the professionals deal with it.
- In the case of veld fires along the roads, motorists should approach smoke-obscured road sections with great caution.
- Never throw water onto a fire started by an electrical fault or fires started by oil or paraffin lamps. In this case sand or a blanket should be used to smother the fire.
- Listen to the radio or TV for warnings and obey the instructions from disaster management officers.
DEMS cautions Ekurhuleni residents to be on high alert.
They are always prepared to timeously respond to all incidents within the municipality.
Communities are also expected to assist in mitigating the occurrences of emergencies.
In case of emergency call 10177 or 011 458-0911 or 112 from a cellphone.
Ensure that you have the emergency call centre telephone numbers saved on your phone.
Speak clearly on the phone when reporting an emergency.
Provide the operator with all the details required.
Do not end the conversation until all questions are answered and clarified.
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