Northern KZN fire warning issued

RESIDENTS in northern KZN have been urged to take caution after veld fires recently destroyed several homes in the region.

MEC for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Sipho Hlomuka, has placed disaster management teams on alert and is calling on community members to stay safe after the South African Weather Service warned of a possible risk of veld fires across the province.

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This comes after some 20 Nkandla homes were destroyed by runaway fires over the weekend.

Strong winds also damaged 108 houses in the areas of Mbilwana, Zihlokweni, Manyonyo and Domrey, near Greytown.

One person was injured during the incident and has received medical attention.

Disaster teams are providing ongoing support to the 353 people affected.

‘We are appealing to all residents to take the necessary precautions,’ said Hlomuka.

‘This includes not making fires in open areas, and smokers must dispose of cigarette butts appropriately.’

The cold weather sweeping across the province also poses a risk as residents try to keep warm.

‘We are appealing to people with generators and braziers to use them safely,’ he said.

For enquiries, contact Nonala Ndlovu on 066 2826903 or Senzelwe Mzila 082 4741882.

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