Human negligence can cause unwanted veld fires which is a danger for all of us
The Department of Environmental Affairs’ Working on Fire programme would like to warn eMalahleni communities to take extra care in preventing unwanted veld fires during the upcoming winter fire season.
![](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/105/2015/05/21.jpg)
In 2014 Mpumalanga experienced one of its worst fire seasons in seven years and a total of 447 fires were successfully suppressed by Working on Fire. If it wasn’t for the hard work and dedication by the 450 fire fighters stationed at 24 teams throughout the province, the damage to properties and the environment could have been much worse. Most of the fires that ravaged Mpumalanga last year were caused by human negligence.
![Fire fighter fighting fires in the veld.](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/105/2015/05/111.jpg)
Working on Fire General Manager in Mpumalanga, Mr Martin Bolton, has requested that these communities take ownership in reducing the number of unwanted veld fires.
“Unwanted veld fires can cause loss of life, damage to property and destroy the environment,” said Bolton
The community needs to be aware of the dangers of fire and how to prevent it from getting out of control.
Safety tips:
*Dispose of refuse responsibly;
*Do not illegally burn refuse, tyres and plastics;
*Extinguish and dispose of cigarettes, coals and firewood properly in a safe place; and
*Be cautious, fireworks can lead to wildfire.
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