Two blazing veld fires in Pretoria West

Firefighters are busy extinguishing two veld fires in Pretoria West on Monday.

According to acting Tshwane Emergency Department spokesperson Lindsay Mnguni both fires are under control.

This comes as several voice notes are being shared on WhatsApp urging residents to come out in their numbers to help fight the fires.

“We have two fires at this stage and our crews are busy extinguishing them. One is in Danville (Strachan and Van Schoor Streets), and the other is in Elandsfontein. Both are under control.”

Mnguni furthermore said no injuries or damages have been reported.

What you should do when veld fire approaches your property:

• Decide whether it is safer to stay or leave the scene.
• Wear protective clothing and footwear.
• Have emergency food and medical supplies ready.
• Move livestock to safer areas.
• Listen to the radio for news updates.
• Wet the garden and house, especially on the side of the approaching fire.
• Plug gutters and fill them with water.
• Fill baths, buckets and dust bins with water in case the water supply fails, and have mops handy.
• Seal any gaps between the doors and floor using wet towels or similar items.
• Close all windows and doors.
• If you decide to stay, go indoors and remain there until the fire has passed.
• Take fire hoses and other firefighting equipment indoors with you.
• Check inside the house, including the roof cavity, and extinguish any small fires immediately.
• Remain vigilant after the fire has passed.
• If you decide to evacuate your home, remember that every second counts:
• Escape first, then call for help. Develop a home fire escape plan and make sure everyone in the family gathers at an agreed meeting place outside.
• Make sure everyone in the family knows two ways to escape from every room.
• Practise feeling your way out with your eyes closed.
• Never stand up in a fire, always crawl low under the smoke and try to keep your mouth covered.
• Practice your family emergency plan / home escape plan frequently with your family.
• Never return to a burning building for any reason, you could die.
• Finally, having a working smoke alarm dramatically increases your chances of surviving a home fire.

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