Lim WOF remains on high alert despite reduction in veld fires

Compared to the 140 fires recorded in the province from June to August 2015, a total of 55 fires have been recorded in the same period in 2016.

October 4, 2016

Riana Joubert 1 minute read

WoF firefighters work on making firebreaks to prevent fires from damaging property like water tanks and pipes.

POLOKWANE – This according to the Working on Fire (WoF) newsletter for September.

According to WoF Spokesperson, Matema Gwangwa, despite all indications that the current winter fire season shows a reduction in veld fires, all provincial teams will continue to remain on high alert over the next few months.

She says the general Manager of the WoF programme in Limpopo, Sam Maepa, attributes the reduction in fires to the implementation of a very successful community fire awareness campaign throughout Limpopo in preparing for the winter fire season. “There was an increase in awareness among landowners and community members which curbed the amount of uncontrolled veld fires in the province,” Maepa stated.

In the previous fire season, WOF members went the extra mile and assisted residents in creating firebreaks in their yards and on farmlands.

A firebreak (also called a fireroad, fire line or fuel break) is a gap in vegetation or other combustible material that acts as a barrier to slow or stop the progress of a bush fire or wildfire. A firebreak may occur naturally where there is a lack of vegetation or “fuel”, such as a river, lake or canyon. Firebreaks may also be man-made.

The making of firebreaks are mandatory according to the Veld and Forest Act and forms part on the implementing integrated fire management systems (IFMS ). WOF members also assisted with the cutting and clearing of dead branches and leaves and the cutting down of trees in the way of firebreaks.

Gwangwa added WOF teams had assistance from Provincial Disaster Management Centres, Fire Protection Associations, SAN Parks, various private and public landowners and local municipalities, that helped them prepare and respond faster to run-away fires.

She urged residents to remain vigilant and avoid making open fires.