Carelessness can be costly during fire season

Fire season, as it is commonly known, refers the dry months in the middle of the year and begins on May 1, ending on November 30. This effectively means that no fires may be lit in the open except for during block burning, burning of maize residue or plantation slash, back fires to control wild fires or in a demarcated picnic or camping area.

Residents are warned against:
1. Burning grass surrounding their property, this could lead to runaway fires.
2. Do not utilise incorrect warming devices such as stoves, welding machines or candles instead of conventional heaters.
3. Do not burn fire breaks during hot, windy or dry conditions.

Tips for safe outdoor burning
1. Place debris in several small piles instead of one large pile.
2. Never burn on dry, windy days.
3. Select a safe place away from overhead power lines, phone lines or other obstructions.
4. Clear at least three meters around the fire and make sure that the area is clear of all burnable material.
5. Have water and tools on hand to extinguish anything that may escape the burning area.
6. Stay with the fire at all times, until it is completely burnt out. Leaving a fire unattended for any length of time is illegal.

To report fires, call the Customer Care Centre on 036 352 6464/4444.