The fire season deepens

NOW well into October, Vryheid and its district have still not had any significant spring rains. And accompanying the dryness has been temperatures well into the 30s.
The veld and plantations are dry, tinder dry. Yesterday, Thursday, a fire, suspected to be the result of arson, destroyed over 800 hectares of grazing east-north-east of Vryheid. Carelessness now could be disastrous.
There is a total ban on burning in the area, and the local Fire Prevention Association (FPA) has warned, “Start a fire, you will be prosecuted”. The ban will remain in force until at least the of October, and if the rains do not materialise it will be extended.
To date, during this season the FPA has had to contend with 27 runaway fires in the area. The aerial firefighters, the helicopter water bomber and spotter, have attended 18 fires this season.
Fires have mostly occurred north-west and south-east of Vryheid and in the Louwsburg area.
If you see a veld or forest fire in the area, please contact the FPA at 034 982 1882.