Total ban on open fires amid heat, winds
A total ban on open fires in the Middelburg area has come into effect earlier than scheduled, with possible prosecution looming for lawbreakers.
The fire prohibition, which was initially scheduled for September 1, was declared on August 25 by the Greater Middelburg Fire Protection Association due to a high fire danger index (FDI).
The ban on open fires will endure until October 31, and contraventions of the notice could result in prosecution under the Fire Brigade Services Act.
The FPA has reported an FDI of 68% for Middelburg at 14:00 today, with temperatures reaching 30°C and wind speeds between 21km and 38km.
For Hendrina’s surrounding areas, an FDI of 66% was also reported, with no chances of rain in both areas boding ill, while community members and the fire department were fighting a veldfire at Rietvlei mine on the Stoffberg road.
The FPA has urged members of the public to report any fires to the Middelburg Fire Department.
