The KZN Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) has issued a high fire danger warning for the province after some parts, including Pietermaritzburg, were affected by fires.

Cogta MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi has placed disaster management teams on high alert following a weather warning issued by the South African Weather Service.

The warning, valid from 09:00 to 22:00, forecasts extremely high fire danger conditions over most parts of the province.

Yesterday, an inferno engulfed a large section of the Manchester and Failsworth Road light industrial area in Pietermaritzburg.

According to Cogta, affected areas are: Abaqulusi, Alfred Duma – Indaka, Alfred Duma – Ladysmith, Big Five Hlabisa – Hlabisa, Big Five Hlabisa – Hluhluwe, Dannhauser, Dr N. Dlamini-Zuma – Underberg, eDumbe, eMadlangeni, Endumeni, eThekwini, Greater Kokstad, Impendle, Ingwe, Inkosi Langalibalele – Escourt, Inkosi Langalibalele – Sobabili, Jozini, KwaDukuza, Mandeni, Maphumulo, Mkhambathini, Mpofana – Giants Castle, Mpofana – Mooi River, Msinga, Mthonjaneni, Mtubatuba, Ndwedwe, and Newcastle.

“Potential impacts include reduced visibility, damage to property and vegetation, air and water pollution, and potential loss of human and/or animal life.

“Do not make fires in open areas or leave fires unattended, do not discard cigarette butts out of car windows or in open fields, avoid throwing bottles in the veld as they can magnify the sun’s rays and ignite fires,” said Cogta in a statement.

Last month, KZN lost at least 15 lives due to wildfires that ravaged large parts of the province.

Buthelezi urges all residents to exercise extreme caution and adhere to safety instructions to prevent potential disasters.