Fire danger continues for the rest of the week

MBOMBELA –  Due to extremely hot, dry and windy conditions, communities are warned to be cautious of the spread and development of runaway fires throughout the whole province.
The fire index reached red on Monday when a blaze broke out in the Brondal area in the afternoon.

According to the Lowveld and Escarpment Fire Protection Association’s (Lefpa) Andre Scheepers, the fire was contained by Tuesday morning. “There are still some embers smouldering but we are monitoring the area. The cause of the fire is unknown.”

On Wednesday the fires flared up again in the White River area but were contained.  Despite the weather cooling down on Thursday, there was still a fire warning out until next week.

He urged the community to be on full alert and report all fires to the local fire department or to any nearby authority. “These conditions will continue for the rest of the week.”

All burning permits have been suspended until further notice. All resources have been placed on high alert.
A warning has been issued within the boundaries of the Lefpa and Ehlanzeni district, that no person shall, until further notice make a fire in open air, unless:

• Fires are made within a demarcated picnic or camping area, caravan park or holiday resort, but only at places within such an area which have been specifically prepared and maintained for that purpose, provided that such fires are properly extinguished with water and/or sand.

• Fires are used for the preparation of food on residential stands.
• Fires are made on residential and industrial stands in proclaimed townships.
• Fires made for initiation-school purposes, but only at places which have been specially prepared for that purpose and maintained to prevent fires from spreading.

Firefighters urge the public to help them prevent devastating fires from occurring by following this preventative measures:

• Smoking – If out walking or having a picnic, be sure to dispose of cigarettes carefully.
• Braais – In most Lowveld areas it is actually illegal to light any fire, without the permission of the landowner.

• Litter – Take your litter home with you. Even a discarded glass bottle can easily start a fire.
Please ensure that:

• All equipment is in working condition
• Your resources match the fire risks identified.
• You are aware of the current fire danger index (FDI).
• Operational procedures is implemented to ensure quick response, should an emergency arise.
• Water points have adequate supply.
• Airstrips are operational and all roads are either graded or slashed.
• All staff are reminded of the dangers of warming fires and smoking, among others.
Contact Lefpa on 086-066-3473.