The Working on Fire (WoF) programme in Mpumalanga urged people to be vigilant as the August windy season is approaching.
“August is an extremely windy month that could cause unwanted run-away veld and forest fires and we therefore ask that people, particularly landowners, are extra careful and beef up their fire control measures,” warned WoF’s provincial spokesman, Ms Lebogang Maseko.
Wildfires, if not reported early, can result in great devastation.
“We ask that people report any signs of fires to their local fire authorities and fire protection associations, bearing in mind that delays have disastrous effects as wildfires spread within minutes. This can cause property to burn to the ground, destroying the environment and most importantly, lives can be lost,” said Ms Maseko.
In addition, WoF and various fire protection associations (FPAs) have placed more than 500 firefighters with specialised firefighting training on standby operation, to offer any additional ground and aerial firefighting support in different parts of Mpumalanga.
“Between June and July this year, we have suppressed 79 fires throughout the province, with an estimation of 1 000 hectares of land burnt. These include plantation and grassland fires,” she said.
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According to Ms Maseko, this is a slight decrease compared to fires recorded during the 2017 winter fire season.
Ms Maseko added that those who live in thatched roof houses close to open fields, clean up areas around their property.
She warned kids about the dangers of playing with fires. She also pleaded with motorists to reduce speed, switch on hazard lights, and close car windows when there is smoke on the road.
“Veld fires spread rapidly, especially in windy conditions. Therefore all fires have to be reported on time,” she added.
“We plead with members of the public to remove unnecessary rubble on their properties which can pose a serious fire threat. Residents residing next to grasslands need to ensure that there is sufficient fire breaks between their properties and the grasslands,”
According to Ms Maseko, the 2018 winter fire season threatens to be challenging because of the ongoing drought countrywide.
WoF manages integrated fire management programmes which include fire management planning, detection, prevention, suppression, dispatch and coordination and community fire awareness activities.
The programme is funded by the National Department of Environmental Affairs.
