THE municipality’s Disaster Management and Emergency Control Unit is creating awareness on measures to be taken to avoid fires that could spread fast due to high winds during the windy season.
The Fire Danger Index is rated high due to the absence of rain and moisture and this usually affects both buildings and open spaces as they become more combustible. The combination of the higher wind speed and higher Fire Danger Index increases risk levels in the Metro. This contributes to a rapid fire spread, especially in the informal settlements, due to the close proximity of structures and the materials used for their construction.
Communities in the informal settlements are considered vulnerable to fire threat. Rapid fire spread through such areas results in many people being displaced.
Residents of the municipality are advised to be very cautious when using open fires, candles and paraffin stoves because those are the main sources of fire hazards. These should be placed on stable surfaces, kept clear from other combustible goods and extinguished after use.
