SEDIBENG.- Working on Fire Kishugu Joined Venture in Gauteng cautions the public and landowners to be vigilant and careful of wildland fires because the Fire Danger Index (FDI) indicates possible more fires on the cards this week until this Sunday, 17 September.
The FDI is a rating system that provides an indication of the fire risk for a specific area on a specific day.
Working on Fire Kishugu Joined Venture’s General Manager in Gauteng, Stephen Boyes said, the hot temperatures, low humidity, gusty winds, and exceptionally dry vegetation can result in catastrophic fires. These factors combined are likely to cause deadly fires that may kill people, and animals and destroy livelihoods in farming areas.
‘‘As from Monday to Wednesday, the index is red meaning it is extremely dangerous weather for wildland fires. Thursday to Sunday it is forecast to be Orange and Yellow which is dangerous and very dangerous for wildland fires,’’ he summed up the warning.”
He said that fifteen teams of the Working on Fire Kishugu Joined Venture are on high alert and on standby to attend fires. Boyes urges the public to:
- Avoid using equipment such as chainsaws, angle grinders, and lawnmowers, during this red alert to avoid sparks of fires.
- Avoid throwing matches or cigarettes from moving cars, and properly extinguish any open fire or live coals with water.
- Clear dry fuels around your home and make them less susceptible to fire to prevent any blaze from beginning.
- Report unattended fires immediately to local fire authorities, including fire protection associations.
