3500ha destroyed by wildfire at Timbavati

This created opportunity for two wildfires to start up in different parts of the reserve, Krystle Woodward of Timbavati Private Nature Reserve told the Herald. “We are extremely thankful for the tremendous support of our lodges who worked together with management to get the wildfires under control and safely contained. It was within a matter of minutes after we called for assistance that resources were dispatched. We always dread this time of the year when the vegetation is extremely dry and the hot conditions of the summer months start creeping in.

“All we can do is keep waiting and praying for the rains to come! Thankfully no casualties have been reported and infrastructure protected. Again a huge thank you to everyone who assisted,” Woodward said. She said that high fuel loads from previous seasons of good rain have sure contributed to the hot burn. “A big thank you to all our followers, friends, and fans who have shared such supportive messages over the past few days. We have relayed the messages to our teams. Now let’s hope for some rain,” she added.

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Veld and Forest Fire Act
Odas Ngobeni of the Mopani District Municipality said that landowners are advised to be vigilant and ensure their compliance in terms of the National Veld and Forest Fire Act (101 of 1998) as well as the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (10 of 2004) regulations. “Landowners have a legal obligation under the Veld and Forest Fire Act (101 of 1998) to prepare and maintain firebreaks on their property.

“Such firebreaks must be prepared as contemplated in the Veld and Forest Fire Act, with due regard for weather, climate, terrain, and vegetation of the area. Firebreaks must also be wide and long enough that there is a reasonable chance of preventing the spread of a fire to or from neighbouring land. This fire-fighting readiness includes the landowner making provisions for appropriate fire-fighting equipment, protective clothing, and trained personnel for their property,” Ngobeni said.

He added that in terms of the NEM Biodiversity Act Regulations, is the responsibility of landowners to remove alien invasive plant species, such as lantana (Lantana Camara), triffid weed (Chromolaena odorata), and bugleweed (Solanum mauritianum) from their property. “These invasive species often form impenetrable barriers which hamper fire-fighting activities and access to fires. Chromolaena odorata, in particular, is known to constitute a fire hazard, is highly flammable, and is known to facilitate the development of crown fires.

Emergencies can be reported to the Mopani Centralised Communication Centre (CCC) at 015 307-5555 or 015 306-7000.