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.

According to the the Lowveld and Escarpment’s Fire Protection Association’s (Lefpa) Andre Scheepers, members of the public are advised to take extra precautions and refrain from making fires in the open.

All burning permits have been suspended until further notice. These conditions are set to last until this weekend.
All resources have been placed on high alert.

On Monday, a massive fire broke out between Kaapsehoop and Alkmaar around lunch time, and all Lefpa aircraft were dispatched to the scene. Pilots worked tirelessly and at around 16:30 they returned to base with only the ground teams remaining to mop up.

According top the South African Weather Service, extremely hot conditions and high levels of discomfort will persist until this weekend, with the mercury rising to as much as 34 degrees Celsius this week.
It will subside by Saturday. Maximum temperatures will drop to 18 degrees Celcius, but will return to the mid-twenties on Monday.
Scheepers said that due to the current conditions, the fire danger index is expected to remain in deep yellow.
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, including braais, 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.