MBOMBELA- The department for co-operative governance and traditional affairs (COGTA) in Mpumalanga urges communities to prevent the causes of veld fires.
Winter months (May to August ) are considered a high risk period for the spread of veld fires. The department, therefore, urges communities to prevent the unwanted spread of fires.
“We urge communities, especially in the informal settlements, to take precautionary measures against the spread of veld fires,” says the department in a statement.
It added that the province is prone to veld fires and the department has embarked on an awareness campaign to educate communities about the dangers of fires. It also advises people not to throw away burning cigarettes stubs in the open as this may cause veld fires.
The department issued the following precautionary measures to prevent potential fires:
· Do not throw away burning cigarette stubs in the open veld
· Keep matches and lighters out of children’s reach
· Do not leave open fires (imbawula) unattended, especially indoors
· Do not put candles where they have a high chance of falling over, instead cut candles in half and place them in candles holders
· Never leave paraffin appliances unattended and always put them in flat firm surfaces
· Do not leave children unattended to where there are open fires and/or candles
The department urges communities to contact the department’s Disaster Management toll free number in case of emergencies on 0800 202 507.
