Limpopo Agri Dept asks farmers to assist in fighting fires

POLOKWANE – The city is currently experiencing a troubling increase in veld fires due to windy and dry weather conditions, posing a significant threat to vegetative areas, including farms.

Earlier this month, Polokwane emergency services responded to a fire that ignited from an empty space at the Bakone Malapa museum, resulting in substantial vegetation loss.

This incident followed a previous fire at the Polokwane Game Reserve, which thankfully did not harm any animals.

In light of these events, the Limpopo Department of Agriculture is encouraging farmers to establish or join existing fire protection associations to enhance the prevention and management of veld fires within their communities.

The MEC’s spokesperson, Pelane Phakgadi, highlighted that these associations can be formed under the National Veld and Forest Fire Act (Act No. 101 of 1998), which allows landowners to collaborate in predicting, preventing, managing, or extinguishing veld fires.

“This initiative comes in response to an extremely high fire danger warning issued by the South African Weather Service, which requires immediate attention,” said Phakgadi. The northern regions of South Africa, including Polokwane, have been experiencing dryness, exacerbated by recent sporadic rainfall, leading to increased fire risk. The capital city hosts numerous commercial farms and vegetation vital for economic sustainability and food security. All farmers are urged to remain vigilant, adhere to necessary precautions, and report any fire outbreaks immediately to the relevant authorities,” Phakgadi concluded.