TZANEEN: Letaba District is at risk of a possible major uncontrolled burn this fire season

Residents in the Letaba District  should be aware that, according to the Letaba Fire Protection Association (LFPA), there is the possibility of a big uncontrolled blaze this fire season.

According to the LFPA’s Public Relations Officer, Maritza Swanepoel, there is no area in the Letaba District that they can isolate as a danger area this year.

“It is dry everywhere this year and the fire hazard is very high,” said Swanepoel.

“The last couple of years we haven’t had any real major burns, so it is very dry and there is a possibility of a fire this season,” elaborated Swanepoel.

In our region, especially the Magoebaskloof, Haenertsburg and George’s Valley areas, there is a lot of vegetation that can go up in flames in an instant. But, controlled veld fires are key to the ecosystems we find here. These fires not only aid in controlling invasive species, but also stimulate the growth of grass after the burns.

Make sure the fire’s been properly put out and doused

“It has already been proven that the young grass that sprouts and grows after a burn, is more nutritious,” Swanepoel explained.

In the month of July, the LFPA along with other companies in the Magoebaskloof area held the controlled burning of two marshes with the aim of enlarging the internal fire breaks and controlling invasive species in the area.

Communities are urged to come together and fight any fires together, this way effective combating of the fire is assured. The Magoebaskloof, Haenertsburg and George’s Valley communities are prime examples of how communities should come together to fight fires, according to Swanepoel.

When it comes to the actual fighting of the fires, the LFPA is definitely equipped to take on any blaze.

Do not approach the fire and try to put it out

“The LFPA’s resources include two Huey Helicopters for fire fighting, two spotter planes, a ‘Working on Fire’ ground team, a tactical helicopter team who get flown to the fire and operate there and then fuel carriers which are transported to the fire so that the helicopters can refuel quickly,” said Swanepoel.

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When it came to warning the residents for the upcoming fire season, Swanepoel had a lot to share.

“Do not light any fire, and if you are going camping or want to light a braai, make sure it’s been properly put out and doused. During a veld fire, do not approach the fire and try to put it out if you do not have any previous training in fire fighting. The same goes for when a helicopter dives to pick up water out of a dam to put out the fire. Residents have to ensure they remain far away from the occurrence in the case that something was to go wrong.”

She then also went so far as to provide us with tips to avoid any unnecessary collateral damage this fire season.

Swanepoel also urged land and plantation owners to be vigilant and are advised to report any veld fires to the LFPA immediately.

You can get hold of the Letaba Fire Protection Association using the following contact number: 076 550 2260.

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