Urgent warning: Community vigilance needed
Urgent warning issued for the North-West region as temperatures soar and humidity drops, raising fire risk.
In a dramatic update for residents of the Northwest region, Eric Stoch, chairman of the North-West Umbrella Fire Protection Association, has issued a stern warning regarding the dangerously high temperatures and dry conditions expected over the next few days.
At 14:00 this Saturday, Stoch addressed the community, emphasizing the critical nature of the situation. “We are currently experiencing a crossover phenomenon, with temperatures soaring above 30 degrees. In Potchefstroom, we’re looking at alarming temperatures between 38 and 42 degrees,” he stated, highlighting the severe risk posed by the ongoing conditions.
With wind speeds anticipated to exceed 30 km/h and humidity plummeting to just 14%, the fire risk has escalated significantly. “This indicates an extremely dangerous condition that we will be experiencing,” Stoch warned, urging residents to heed precautionary measures.
The chairman’s message is clear: “No making of block burns, no fire breaks, and please do not burn ash-pits.” He also cautioned against careless behaviors, noting, “Be very careful not to throw your cigarette butts in the fields or from a moving vehicle, as this can cause wildfires, which are very dangerous.”
Stoch’s call for vigilance extends to tools and equipment often used in outdoor work. “We are also requesting people not to work with brush cutters, grinders, or welding machines,” he advised, pointing out that even the smallest spark could ignite a catastrophic fire.
The community’s cooperation has proven vital in reducing fire damage this year. “Last year, by this time, we’d lost about 1.2 million hectares, and this year we are at about 344,000 hectares that have been burnt,” Stoch noted with cautious optimism. “This can only be achieved by working together with the community.”
As the threat looms, Stoch implores residents to act swiftly at the first sign of smoke or fire. “Please contact your local fire brigade service, or you can contact us on 07 1007 8653,” he urged, emphasizing the importance of collective responsibility.
With the livelihoods and food security of the region at stake, Stoch’s passionate appeal to the community underscores a critical moment. “We are most concerned about the lives, livelihoods, and food security of the people in our province. Please work with us. Be safe out there.”
