COGTA cautions communities against the fire season
A further appealed was made to parents not to leave children with braziers without supervision.
The Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) in Mpumalanga warned communities to handle fire with caution during the winter.
With temperatures hitting below 1°, areas such as Nkangala and Gert Sibande Districts are said to be the coldest areas during the winter season.
Ms Busi Shiba, MEC for COGTA, said fire must be handled with precaution to prevent the potential loss of lives, injuries and damage to property.
“The use of household apparatus that is ignited with fire in areas prone to the cold weather is on a peak during this period.
“Apart from normal household chores, it is also used as a critical component to keeping them warm. We urge communities to ensure that all fire facilities are switched off after use to prevent potential human and property hazards,” said Ms Shiba.
A further appealed was made to parents not to leave children with braziers without supervision.
“Fire fatalities and severe injuries are highly prevalent in areas prone to the cold weather. Our focus is currently on the Covid-19 pandemic.
“However, the potential loss of lives, injuries, and damage to property due to fire must not be a blind spot and we all have the responsibility to prevent it.
“We must apply the same amount of energy of preventing the spread of the pandemic to prevent fire-related fatalities and injuries,” said Ms Shiba.
She said the prevention of fire outbreak is the responsibility of all communities.
She also warned smokers to stop throwing burning cigarette buds.
“Those who throw away cigarette buds without butting them off are committing an offence. Such a habit is a serious violation of the fire prevention legislation. Such behaviour shall be met with a stiff punishment, should they be arrested for the violation of such act,” said Ms Shiba.
Communities are urged to adhere to the following:
• The fire management regulations when burning fire breakers in the farms.
• Butt cigarettes after smoking.
• Mark properties for easy access by the Fire Services in case of emergencies.
The Department has established the Provincial Disaster Toll-Free number: 0800 202 507 for emergencies.
Communities are advised to use the number to report fire cases.
