1 000 hectares of land devastated by fire this Winter months
Wildfires if not reported early can result in great devastation.
More than 79 fires were suppressed in the province this winter months, with an estimation of 1 000 hectares of land burnt. This shows an increase as compared to last year veld fires where 76 fires were recorded in the same period.
Ms Lebogang Maseko the provincial spokesperson of Working on Fire (WoF) therefore warns members of the community to be vigilant as the August windy season approaches.
“August is an extremely windy month that could cause unwanted run away veld and forest fires, we therefore urge members of the public to be extra careful, landowners should beef up their fire control measures,” she said.
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Maseko added that those who live in thatched roof houses close to open fields should clean up areas around their properties and teach children 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 smoke submerges on freeways. Maseko says that the 2018 winter fire season threatens to be challenging as a result of the ongoing drought experienced across the country.
“Wildfires if not reported early can result in great devastation. It is very important that communities be vigilant. 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,” she said.
In addition, WoF together with various Fire Protection Associations (FPAs) have placed more than 500 fire-fighters with specialised fire fighting training on standby operation, to offer any additional ground and aerial fire fighting support in different parts of Mpumalanga.
WoF manages integrated fire management programmes which include fire management planning, detection, prevention, suppression, dispatch and coordination and community fire awareness activities. The Programme resides under and is funded by the National Department of Environmental Affairs.
