Human negligence contributes to wildfires
“We urge community members not to start fires unnecessarily, and report all unattended fires to local fire authorities.''
Vryheid is one of many regions that have been experiencing fires in different areas, along with the communities of Nkandla, Eshowe, Melmoth, Hluhluwe, Mbazwana and other areas across the province. The Department of Forestry, Fisheries & the Environment’s Working on Fire (WOF) programme in KwaZulu-Natal has been on high alert since the winter fire season began in June. Teams across the province were dispatched to suppress unwanted fires in numerous regions.
According to statistics, the Vryheid Fire Protection Association (FPA) had the most fire call-outs since the beginning of the month. The Vryheid Fire Protection Association is a recognised umbrella FPA in the region and one of the longest-serving partners with the Working on Fire Kishugu joint venture.
Vryheid fire protection officer and base manager Steven Hibbert says human negligence is the number one cause of unwanted fires.
“We urge community members not to start fires unnecessarily, and report all unattended fires to local fire authorities. Check weather conditions and ensure that you have adequate fire-fighting resources before starting a fire,” said Hibbert.
WOF acting general manager Hloniphile Ndlovu added that, “Fire-fighters across the province have been working hard due to the increase of fire call-outs. The swift response in suppressing these fires ensured that they were contained before further damage to the environment could be done, with no loss of life.
“As we are at the peak of the winter fire season, our teams are on standby, even during weekends. If the Fire Danger Index is estimated to be high, our teams will assist and provide integrated fire management to landowners and communities,” added Ndlovu.
From the beginning of the month until Friday last week, fire-fighters have attended to 29 fires they had to suppress.
Fire-fighters across the province will remain on high alert, ready to be dispatched and provide wildfire suppression support.
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The news provided to you in this link comes to you from the editorial staff of the Vryheid Herald, a sold newspaper distributed in the Vryheid area.
