‘Fire stats too high,’ warns Working On Fire
Since 1 June, Gauteng’s Working on Fire teams have already fought 120 fires with an estimated 2 200 hectares of vegetation being burned.
“Veld fires still remain a big issue, particularly for the West Rand region,” said Working On Fire.
According to the Gauteng branch of the organisation, since the commencement of the winter fire season on 1 June, their teams have fought 120 fires with an estimated 2 200 hectares of vegetation burnt.
In the media statement released by the organisation, it said, “This is a clear indication of a busy and difficult fire season ahead. Our teams have been quite busy assisting landowners and farmers with fire breaks in the meantime.”
Stephen Boyes, general manager for Working of Fire agreed that all indications point to a hectic fire season ahead. Boyes said private and public landowners need to ensure proper preparations for the fire season.
“The fire danger index is not into the red or orange yet but fires are flaring up early in the season. This means August will pose a serious threat to landowners, because it will probably be dry, windy and hot. That is the best recipe for dangerous fires.”
Boyes also said landowners should ensure firebreaks are created on time to avoid any loss of property and lives this fire season.
“Working on Fire, which is part of the Department of Environmental Affairs, has 17 bases with 348 firefighters on standby across Gauteng, to assist communities, landowners and farmers to suppress veld fires and to create firebreaks during this winter fire season.
“Communities need to be more vigilant during the fire season and not start unnecessary fires, particularly during dry days this winter. We urge landowners to heed our call to action and comply,” Boyes added.
People have also been asked to remove unnecessary rubble on their properties which could pose a serious fire risk.
Owners of properties next to grasslands need to ensure that there are sufficient firebreaks between their properties and the grasslands.
On 29 June, Bennie Mohlabeng, the Regional Commander of the Randfontein Fire and Rescue Services, said their warnings fall on deaf ears, much to his disappointment.
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