As the dry winter winds begin to sweep over Potchefstroom and the North West, local authorities, emergency services and volunteers are already preparing for what is becoming a familiar and increasingly dangerous time of year.

Between June and September, the risk of wildfires is at its highest, and it only takes one spark to ignite a devastating blaze. According to the South African Weather Service, wildfires occur most frequently during the winter when relative humidity drops below 30%. Berg winds, warmer, drier winds blowing from high altitudes, are one of the main reasons why fires spread quickly, especially in the early morning and late afternoon.

Every year, wildfires in South Africa leave a trail of damage. In 2023 alone, wildfires in the North West province destroyed about 38 000 hectares of grazing land, disrupted farm activities and damaged infrastructure in rural areas. The surrounding areas of Potchefstroom, especially farms in Mooibank, Vyfhoek, and the outskirts of Ikageng, remain vulnerable due to high, dry grass and limited natural fire breaks.

In rural areas such as the JB Marks Municipality, formal fire services rely on volunteer emergency units. These community-based teams are made up of trained but unpaid individuals who are often the first to report to a scene, especially in hard-to-reach areas.

Unlike official fire departments, these volunteers do not receive regular funding. They work with limited resources, reuse equipment, and rely on the community for support, especially during long, exhausting fires. When fires are active, volunteers can spend between 8 and 12 hours at a time on the fire line. In such conditions, the body loses fluids rapidly, and without proper hydration and nutrition, their safety and ability to work are seriously compromised.

Donations of bottled water, energy drinks, electrolyte powders, protein bars, nut mixes and other snacks are therefore critically important. These contributions help prevent exhaustion, dehydration and heatstroke, while providing energy to stay focused on their task. Potchefstroom has always been a community where people care about each other and as the wildfire season approaches, it is time to support those who stand between us and disaster.

For more information or to arrange a donation, send WhatsApp messages to: Rykie Erasmus: 072 133 8480, Leandro de Beer: 0793385930 Or leave a message via DM on Potchefstroom First Responders’ Facebook page: https://www.facebook. com/groups/527550188069893