All Lowveld residents, especially farmers and role players in the forestry industry, rejoyced when the heavens opened this past summer, and a four-year-long drought finally ended. However, it could result in a potentially disastrous fire season.
“Vegetation is extremely thick as a result of the good rainfall, and a very dry and hot winter is expected. “All conditions are therefore favourable for the spreading of veld fires,” Mr André Scheepers, manager of the Lowveld and Escapement Fire Protection Association (Lefpa) warned this week.

Fire season in the Lowveld commences on June 1, and only ends at the end of October.
Lefpa will already be on high alert on May 15 as the fire danger index (FDI) is currently rising to dangerous, which means that open flames can already lead to the spreading of veld fires.
“Mature grasslands and forest litter will burn readily and the spread is moderate in the latter and other exposed areas, with flames expected to reach moderate height,” Scheepers added.

He is confident that his team is well-equipped to combat fires that may erupt. All fires will be fought with direct attack and available resources, including aircraft. Two of Orsmond Aviation’s aircraft will soon be dispatched from Bethlehem to ensure that the resources match the above-mentioned risk.
“We hope that the recent rain will see us through until the beginning of June, when the fire season officially starts,” said Scheepers.

By then, the grass is expected to start to dry out and the fuel load will start to increase.
During this time, airstrips should be checked regularly, airstrip-loading crews should be trained, firebreaks should be marked and burned according to your plan, Eskom servitudes should be burned, all staff be advised, and equipment as well as readiness checked. Scheepers further urged that Lefpa meetings should be attended regularly and FDI forecasts obtained on a daily basis.

Also read: Avoid making open fire this fire season