Fire danger warning
The fire season has begun and Zululand firefighters are on high alert
THE dry winter season is upon us and, owing to a high fire danger index, with it comes a heightened probability of veld fires.
In the week of 10-16 June alone, 166 firefighters from KZN’s Working on Fire programme suppressed 18 fires, most of which occurred in KZN’s far northern reaches.
Communities affected included Manzengwenya, Hluhluwe, eManguzi, Ulundi, eShowe, Nkandla, Ladysmith and Mbazwana.
The prompt response from firefighters ensured the fires were all contained before extensive damage to the environment could be done.
‘As a programme we will continue conducting community awareness of the causes of fires,’ said Working on Fire Acting General Manager Bongani Nhlabathi.
‘Knowing what to do when a fire breaks out is of utmost importance, particularly because fires in high density communities, like informal settlements, can lead to loss of life.
‘It is important that all South Africans act responsibly and refrain from, for example, throwing burning matches or cigarette butts into dry grass and leaving braziers or candles unattended.
‘All our firefighters will remain on high alert and will be ready to provide firefighting services to landowners and municipalities.’
Nhlabathi urged community members not to start any unnecessary fires and to check the daily fire danger index warnings issued by the SA Weather Service.
He also urged landowners to prepare for the winter season.
Working on Fire is a programme that falls under the Department of Environmental Affairs’ Expanded Public Works Programme which trains unemployed youth as firefighters and stations them at bases across the country.
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