West Rand residents are now prohibited from lighting open fires
All open fires including campfires are among the activities now prohibited in the West Rand District as of August 1 due to weather conditions.
The West Rand District Municipality’s Fire and Rescue Services has issued a prohibition on all open fires due to adverse weather conditions.
The Krugersdorp News reported on numerous fires around the area recently, including veld fires, ongoing fires at the Luipaardsvlei Landfill Site and a fire that destroyed an informal tented camp in Burgershoop.
• Also read: Where there’s smoke, there’s fire at the landfill site
West Rand Emergency Services regional commander Gerhard Nieuwoudt said that they have issued an immediate prohibition on all open fires, until further notice. He added that this prohibition is necessary due to the adverse weather conditions and high winds recently, which significantly heightens the risk of uncontrollable wildfires.
• Also read: Burgershoop camp fire: Homeless residents lose everything
Prohibited activities:
• All open fires, including campfires
• Burning of firebreaks, regardless of size or location
• Burning of rubbish holes and any other form of open burning
“The decision to enforce this prohibition follows a comprehensive assessment of the prevailing weather patterns. High winds and dry conditions create a highly combustible environment where fires can ignite and spread rapidly, posing severe threats to lives, properties, and the natural environment. We strongly urge all residents and visitors to comply with this prohibition and adopt additional safety measures to prevent fire incidents,” Nieuwoudt said.
He added that this includes safely disposing of cigarette butts, avoiding the use of outdoor machinery that may generate sparks and minimising potential fire hazards around properties.
“Violating this prohibition will result in penalties as outlined in the municipal bylaws and fire safety regulations. The Fire and Rescue Services will conduct regular patrols and inspections to enforce compliance and ensure community safety. The co-operation of our community is essential in these challenging times. We appeal to everyone to remain vigilant and report any fire incidents or suspicious activities immediately. Early detection and swift response are critical in preventing small fires from escalating into major disasters,” Nieuwoudt concluded.
For further information or to report a fire, contact the West Rand District Municipality’s Fire and Rescue Services on 072 177 5831 or 068 571 8146 on WhatsApp.
