Ensure your firebreaks are in place
The Thaba Chweu Fire and Rescue Services, in collaboration with Working on Fire, are establishing firebreaks in preparation for the fire season that starts in June.
The team conducted firebreaks in the Gustav Klingbiël Nature Reserve on Thursday April 29. A firebreak creates a barrier to slow down or stop the progress of wildfires onto farms, residential areas or any other key points. According to the National Veld and Forest Fire Act no 101 of 1998, landowners are required to prepare firebreaks on their side of the boundary where there is a reasonable risk of veldfire.
André Scheepers, the manager of the Lowveld and Escarpment Fire Protection Association (Lefpa), reminded the public that permits are needed for firebreak burning. This is per the Minimum Rules and Requirements (2017). Phone 086-066-3472 to apply for a permit. Lefpa strongly recommends that all burning operations should be completed by August 1. It also warn the public on its website, www.lefpa.org.za, that the hot and dry conditions in June and July can quickly escalate a fire emergency. Follow the fire danger index on the website to verify if it is safe for firebreak burning.
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