SABIE – The public has been warned to avoid the R536 between town and Hazyview as the raging forest fire has still not been contained.
Mr André Scheepers, manager of the Lowveld and Escarpment Fire Protection Association (Lefpa) says it has already damaged 2 500 hectares of forestry.
“The public is warned to keep away from the area as the fire is creating a lot of smoke and lack of visibility. It is on both sides of the road.”
He said fires were also raging on the border of South Africa and Swaziland.
Scheepers added that a spotter plane had been sent out this morning. “The weather conditions are favourable to combat the fire, but not for flying,” he said.
Scheepers said ground crews continued to work throughout areas affected by the fire.
“The fires in Swaziland have also not been contained, we have sent four aircraft there today.”
Scheepers could not say how vast the area was which had been affected.
- Read more:
Lowvelder reported earlier that there had been a huge risk of extremely powerful and destructive veld and forest fires this winter, due to below-normal rainfall and extreme temperatures.
Be prepared for an extremely challenging fire season
Challenging fire season awaits Lowveld
