MBOMBELA – On Friday the Mpumalanga Disaster Management Centre was the host to the official launch of the fire season.
The current period is characterised by wildfire that destroys the livelihoods of many, and with the low rainfall of 2015 compared to other years, an already dire situation can get even worse.
“Every year during this time, we are reminded of the devastating fire the province saw in 2007,” said acting premier Mr Vusi Shongwe.
He summarised the effective management of fire risk into six fundamentals. Shongwe said by ensuring that one identified the risk and put into place effective mitigation plans one also transferred knowledge to all stakeholders and ultimately all citizens of the dangers of uncontrolled fires as well as the benefits of its controlled use.
Implementing practices that minimise danger and risks by clearing strategic and tactical firebreaks and reduce fire, were causing conditions known as fuel loads. Getting landowners and tactical teams trained and fit to fight fires, maintaining the relevant equipment and putting in place reliable early warning systems and communication was paramount. By having equipment and teams at the blaze as soon as possible would ensure proper management and implementation.
With an effective early-detection system when fires occurred risk of devastation can be greatly reduced. Proper rehabilitation plans should be ready for when all preventative and rapid-reaction systems failed to ensure that the damage to the environment and communities was kept to a minimum.
The event ended with a spectacular march by Working on Fire firefighters, as well as an impressive aerial display.
