Ekurhuleni residents urged to prevent veld fires as fire risks increase

Veld fires across the City of Ekurhuleni have raised growing concern among residents, with many calling on authorities to take decisive action.

While some grass fires are deliberately started to clear overgrown vegetation along highways and freeways, they often pose a serious hazard to motorists by reducing visibility.

They also contribute to air pollution, particularly affecting people living with asthma and other respiratory conditions.

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The City of Ekurhuleni Fire Department spokesperson, William Ntladi, recently spoke to the Germiston City News (GCN) about the dangers associated with veld fires and the measures residents can take to help prevent them.

The discussion also comes in the wake of several structural fires reported across the city in recent months.

These include the blaze that destroyed Taratza, the popular Mediterranean-inspired restaurant on the corner of Kloof and Van Buuren roads in Bedfordview on June 25, as well as a recent fire that damaged part of a guest house in Lambton.

According to Ntladi, understanding what causes veld fires is the first step towards preventing them.

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He explained that during the summer rainfall season, vegetation grows rapidly and often becomes overgrown. Once the vegetation dries out during winter, it becomes highly combustible and can easily ignite.

“When grass burns near roads, the smoke can become a serious hazard by obscuring motorists’ vision,” said Ntladi.

He noted that veld fires are started in deliberate and accidental ways.

“Many deliberate fires are started by people (homeless) trying to keep warm. They light a fire and leave it unattended. Strong winds can then spread the flames to surrounding dry vegetation,” he said.

Ntladi warned that deliberately setting fire to grass alongside roads places motorists’ lives at risk.

“The smoke reduces visibility and can lead to serious road crashes, including multiple-vehicle pile-ups.

Fortunately, the City of Ekurhuleni has not experienced major pile-up accidents caused by smoke recently, but the risk remains very real.”

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He added that many fires are started unintentionally by careless behaviour.

“A person may be smoking in a vehicle and throw a burning cigarette butt out of the window. Once it comes into contact with dry grass and oxygen, it can easily start a veld fire.”

Ntladi encouraged motorists to avoid smoking inside vehicles, particularly when travelling with non-smokers.

“A vehicle is like a home. If there are non-smokers in the vehicle, you should not smoke. People living with respiratory illnesses can be severely affected and they can also be affected by smoke from veld fires.”

He stressed that smoke poses significant health risks to residents suffering from asthma and other lung conditions.

“Those with respiratory challenges are especially vulnerable. Inhaling smoke can worsen their health and, in some cases, become life-threatening.”

Ntladi also reminded residents that burning vegetation in open spaces is prohibited under municipal by-laws.

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“If residents need to dispose of vegetation or other waste, they should either take it to an authorised landfill site and pay the applicable disposal fees or contact the Fire Department if a controlled burn needs to be monitored.”

Germiston Golf Course fire

Commenting on the recent fire at the Germiston Golf Course, Ntladi said the cause of the blaze remains under investigation. He added that firefighters responded promptly to the incident.

He noted that vegetation at the site, including the cutting of the blue gum trees which are left on the ground, increase the risk of fire.

“If trees are cut down and left to dry out, they become highly combustible. The resulting smoke can affect not only motorists but also aircraft operating near the nearby Rand Airport.”

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Ntladi explained that smoke from fires contains dangerous gases that pose a threat to both people and animals.

“Every fire produces smoke. One of the most dangerous gases released is carbon monoxide, while other toxic gases may also be present depending on what is burning.”

He said firefighters are trained to preserve life above all else.

“Our responsibility is to save lives, protect property and educate communities about fire safety. That is why we conduct ongoing awareness campaigns, particularly in informal settlements where shack fires continue to claim lives.”

He pointed out that many fire victims die from smoke inhalation before flames even reach them.
“People often lose consciousness after inhaling toxic smoke long before they suffer burn injuries.”

Ntladi added that uncontrolled fires also contribute to environmental pollution and climate change.

“Carbon emissions from unnecessary fires affect the environment. We urge residents not to start fires that contribute to air pollution. Let’s preserve life, protect property and safeguard our environment.”

He also appealed to residents to stop burning household waste.

“Allow municipal waste services or authorised waste reclaimers to manage waste instead of setting it alight.”

LPG gas safety at home

Ntladi also shared important gas safety guidelines for households and businesses.

He advised that an ordinary household should ideally use only a single 9kg LPG gas cylinder indoors. Larger 19kg cylinders should be installed outside the house in a secure, ventilated cage.

“When transporting gas cylinders, they must always remain upright. The valve is the weakest part of the cylinder. If it becomes damaged, the gas will vent upwards rather than horizontally, reducing the risk of serious injury.”

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He stressed that all domestic gas installations should be carried out by qualified professionals using South African Bureau of Standards (SABS)-approved equipment.

“If you suspect a gas leak, you may notice a smell similar to rotten onions. A simple test is to apply soapy water to the hose or fittings. If bubbles appear, there is a leak and the damaged component must be replaced immediately.”

Ntladi also encouraged restaurant owners and other businesses that use gas equipment to ensure their installations comply with safety standards.

“Since load-shedding, many households and businesses have switched to LPG gas. It is everyone’s responsibility to use it safely.”

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He further encouraged businesses to invite the Fire Department to inspect their premises.

“Even if you believe your business is compliant, you can still ask us to conduct an inspection. We also encourage neighbouring businesses to be aware of each other’s fire safety practices. We must reduce fire risks wherever possible,” said Ntladi.