Despite unseasonal rains, dry winter days are looming, which means veld fires are likely.

William Ntladi, media liaison for the Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS), explained that veld fires start accidentally, deliberately, spontaneously, or naturally, posing danger.

“No matter how the fire was ignited, lives and properties are at risk,” he said.

“The onus rests on every member of the community to guard against seasonal fires and, where necessary, enlist the assistance of the fire department to bring potentially disastrous blazes under control.”

Causes of veld fires:

• Lit cigarette buds thrown from vehicles onto dry vegetation.
• Vehicle accidents.
• Downed live overhead power lines.
• Malicious intent.
• Sun rays continuously shine through concave, broken glass.
• Lightning strikes
• Some plants that produce highly flammable substances with low flash points and subsequently ignite easily and sustain the blaze, spreading across an entire area.
• Unattended open fires.

“Veld fires are unpredictable and can escalate from a minor blaze to massive runaway fires within a short space of time,” said Ntladi.

“Where there is fire, there is always a risk of injury, smoke inhalation or even death.

“Fires next to highways further pose a threat of motor accidents due to poor visibility.”

According to the Veld and Forest Fire Act 101 of 1998 and National Environmental Management Act 107 of 1998; no person within the area, should make an open, uncontrollable or unattended fire or permit a fire to be made in such a place and/or in such a manner as to pose a real or potentially real threat to any human being, animal, building, premises or other property.

Protecting your home from fire:

In preparation for winter, homeowners who live near open grassy areas should do the following to protect their properties and homes against potential fire damage:

• Clear gutters
Remove dry leaves that have accumulated in gutters.

• Trim Vegetation
Trim trees and shrubs so branches are at least two to 10 meters away from the house, as well as those against perimeter walls.

In case of potential life-threatening emergencies, call 011 458 0911.

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