The Umtshezi Fire Protection Association (UFPA) has issued a stern warning about the winter fire season, saying that recent incidents have confirmed the concerns raised by fire experts.

According to the association, firefighters responded to four separate fires on Monday afternoon (July 6), highlighting the increasing fire danger across the region.

“We have experienced what the experts have been warning us about. Watch out for this season – it is going to be difficult,” the UFPA said.

Lowlands fire spreads cross-district

The largest incident was the Lowlands fire, which was reported by a local fire warden at 13:18.

“Our teams quickly wrapped up firebreak operations and deployed immediately to the Lowlands fire,” the UFPA said.

The association explained that the blaze was rapidly intensified by a sudden change in wind direction, causing it to spread into the Steel Hills area and become a cross-district fire.

Members from Estcourt and Mooi River worked late into the evening to contain the flames. Firefighters eventually used strategic backburns to bring the fire under control.

Call for extreme caution this winter

The UFPA praised the efforts of local farmers and the WOF-Kishugu Joint Venture team for their outstanding teamwork in helping to contain the fire.

“We commend our local farmers and the WOF-Kishugu JV Team for their outstanding work and team effort in bringing this fire under control,” the association said.

The UFPA warns residents, farmers and landowners to remain vigilant. “If this is what we’re in for, we need to be extremely cautious,” the association said.

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