UPDATE: High risk of fires in Lowveld until Sunday

Sunday, July 4 at 15:08 – UPDATE: High risk of fires in Lowveld until Sunday

André Scheepers, the manager of the Lowveld and Escarpment Fire Protection Association, said they are tending to these fires. Because they are not accessible by road, four airplanes and three helicopters have been deployed to their respective areas.

Scheepers said a high fire index and wind are still present, but the wind is expected to die down later this afternoon.

Friday, July 2 at 15:51 – High risk of fires in Lowveld until Sunday

Lowvelders have been warned of a high fire index in the area for the remainder of this week.

Four fires raged around several areas in the Lowveld last night. The Lowveld and Escarpment Fire Protection Association’s (Lefpa) manager, André Scheepers, once more warned Lowvelders to take care with their fire-making habits.

Yesterday’s fires could be seen behind Mediclinic Nelspruit, in Kaapsehoop, on the Long Tom Pass and near Brondal.

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Scheepers said Lefpa had been issuing warnings since early this week. The danger is, however, expected to persist until at least Sunday.

“The risk is still very high, so people should especially avoid open fires.

“We are currently still fighting two fires in the Lowveld, one of which is in the Barberton Valley. The other has been raging in the Long Tom Pass since yesterday.”