POLOKWANE – The Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries’ Working on Fire (WOF) say it would be a blessing to get rain in Limpopo as soon as possible to reduce the risk of wildfires destroying more land in the province. This, after WOF firefighters have been kept on their toes due to multiple wildfires burning across the province.
Working on Fire’s Communications Officer, Matema Gwangwa says firefighters have responded to 161 fires since the beginning of the 2019 winter fire season and 63 of these fires occurred in September 2019.
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“We are working very hard trying to protect the environment and save lives. It’s not an easy fire season and we are working twice as hard as compared to 2018. This year’s winter fire season is totally different from what was experienced in previous years, where most of the wildfires in October were experienced in the Waterberg District. However, WOF’s firefighters are always ready for any wildfires that might arise,” she explained.
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Gwangwa says their teams have been working tirelessly fighting multiple fires in Rooiberg, Thabazimbi and surrounding areas and says it looks as if the fires will continue to burn out of the fire season. She adds that due to climate change, the Waterberg District is anticipating more wildfires breaking out in the area, more especially the mountainous areas.
“The vegetation is very dry and with a lack of rain, the risk is very high. It will be a blessing if we have rain as soon as possible, as that will reduce the amount of risk that we are sitting with,” she said.
Gwangwa concluded her statement by saying that firefighters have been working long hours in tough terrain and having to juggle the current heatwave which is fuelling more fires is proving to be a challenge.
