Fires in the Lowveld to rage into the night, says Lefpa
Fires have been raging in the Barberton, Kaapsehoop and Bushbuckridge areas since 06:00 today, July 5. According to a Lefpa manager, conditions conducive to veldfires will continue into the weekend.
The Lowveld and Escarpment Fire Protection Association (Lefpa), landowners and forestry companies are working together to fight blazes across various plantation areas in Barberton, Kaapsehoop and Bushbuckridge.
The fires started earlier today, July 5.
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Mbombela Fire and Rescue, and Working on Fire, are currently fighting the fires, and firefighting aircraft have also been deployed.
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André Scheepers, manager of Lefpa, urged all residents, especially those on farms, not to make open fires during these hot and dry periods – a situation which is expected to continue for most of the weekend.
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He also requested people to immediately report fires to the fire department, or the fire protection association in the area they reside, on 0860 663 473.
@lowvelder In anticipation of the winter fire season, the Kruger National Park has begun implementing plans to manage and mitigate the risks of fire in the park. #krugernationalpark #fireseason2024 #winterseason #fire #kruger #firerisk #tourism #southafricatiktok🇿🇦 #winterseason
He also said the high temperatures, accompanied by strong winds, are having an impact on the veldfires.
