POLOKWANE – Polokwane and surrounding areas were hit by a weekend of massive veld fires that swept through parts of the city and its outskirts, destroying land, threatening homes and leaving emergency crews stretched to the limit.

@polokwanereview 🚨🔥 A weekend of massive veld fires left Polokwane and surrounding areas covered in smoke as crews and residents battled flames. Authorities warn conditions remain high risk. Read the full story on reviewonline.co.za! #polokwane #ReviewOnline #Limpopo #fire #wildfire ♬ original sound – plkreview

Fires sweep from the city to farms

The fires, which flared up on Friday evening near Bolivia Lodge, Eagle’s Crest Estate and the adjacent bypass, continued into Saturday and Sunday, spreading from the Kuschke area to Myngenoegen.

Residents in Dalmada and along the R71 corridor reported heavy smoke, while farmers and landowners battled alongside firefighters to contain the flames.

On Sunday, a fire broke out in the Polokwane Game Reserve, sparking a major community effort to assist.

DA Councillor Johan Retters called on volunteers with fire beaters and appealed for water to support those on the front line.

Thick plumes of smoke were also seen in the Matlala and Percy Fyfe vicinity on Sunday morning into the afternoon.

Wind and dry conditions worsen risk

The blazes were fanned by strong winds and dry winter conditions.

By late Sunday evening, most fires had been contained, but authorities warned of possible flare-ups as gusty conditions persist.

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) issued a veld fire warning for Polokwane and surrounding areas for today, active from 07:00 to 19:00.

🔥Very high fire danger conditions expected! Please do NOT start fires, as windy and dry weather can cause runaway veldfires. Protect lives, property and the environment.#SAWS #SAWeather #weatheroutlook pic.twitter.com/CBoEh83zl4

— SA Weather Service (@SAWeatherServic) August 26, 2025

“Conditions are such that the Fire Danger Index is above 75. Under these conditions fires may develop and spread rapidly, resulting in damage to property and possible loss of human and/or animal life,” the warning read.

SAWS urged fire teams to remain on full stand-by, adding: “At the first sign of smoke, every possible measure should be taken to bring the fire under control in the shortest possible time. All available aircraft are to be called in without delay.”

Weather conditions in the city are expected to remain dry for the rest of the week, with no rain forecast for the next two weeks.

A slight dip in temperatures is expected on Wednesday, with a maximum of 26°C and mostly cloudy conditions.

A screenshot of AccuWeather’s forecast for Polokwane.

However, a hot weekend is anticipated in Polokwane with highs in the low thirties from Thursday, into next week.

A screenshot of AccuWeather’s forecast for Polokwane.The Polokwane Review-Observer posed several questions to the Polokwane Municipality on the matter and is awaiting official comment.

What to do if a veld fire breaks out near you

Authorities advise residents to remain alert and prepared:

• Report fires immediately to local fire services or emergency numbers:

• Keep basic firefighting tools such as fire beaters, rakes, and hoses ready

• Clear dry grass and flammable material around homes and fences

• Do not leave open flames unattended in high-risk conditions

• If trapped by fire, move towards areas with the least vegetation and cover your nose and mouth with a wet cloth