Battling 72 veld and forest fires in windy August
Landowners must obtain a burning authorization from their local Fire Protection Association before safely putting out a fire.
In August, 72 veld and woodland fires were put out by the ‘Working on Fire (WOF) Programme’ of the Department of Forestry, Fisheries & Environment in KwaZulu-Natal.
Acting general manager Phumza Dyantyi noted that August is one of the windiest months of the fire season, as evidenced by the higher number of fires (compared to the 48 in July).
Due to the hot and windy weather in the region, the Mbazwana and Manzengwenya WOF teams (which are part of Umhlabuyalingana Local Municipality) were called to a record 22 fires.
The Buffelsdraai crew responded to more fires in eThekwini Municipality than any other area.
Human error such as bee hunting, landowners or community members starting a fire without verifying the Fire Danger Index (FDI), a lack of resources while starting fire-breaks, and leaving flames unattended are among the typical causes of these fires,” says Dyantyi.
Landowners must obtain a burning authorisation from their local Fire Protection Association.
This license is subject to the current day’s FDI. Make sure you have extra supplies on hand and inform nearby landowners as well.
Winter fire season is still ongoing. Over 700 WOF firefighters, stationed at 34 sites, are still on high alert and will be prepared to assist towns, plantations, nature reserves and landowners in the event of a fire. It is crucial to keep an eye out for signs of an unattended fire and alert local authorities at once,” she concluded.
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