ERMELO – A mini substation caught on fire as a result of a veld fire in Horsterweg street in Ermelo recently.

According to Mr Mandla Zwane, spokesman for the Msukaligwa Municipality, someone burned the grass which resulted in the substation being damaged.

After an assessment was done the substation was replaced and power was restored.

“Not only does a veld fire contribute to air pollution, but many people also suffer from health issues due to smoke entering their homes,” he said.

He added there have been numerous calls from the community involving people with breathing difficulties when grass areas are burning.

Furthermore, grass fires this year have also caused thousands of rands in damages to the municipal electrical network and infrastructure.

Mr Zwane said, in terms of the Fire Brigade Act, and relevant by-law it is illegal to set a veld on fire.

“During the winter season, these types of illegal actions however, increase due to the fact that open yards and sites are not maintained and they become overgrown with vegetation.

In terms of the fire service by law, grass in urban areas are not allow to grow over 150mm,” he said.

He added, because landowners failed to adhere to the legislation, these open spaces are set alight to burn in order for it to be cleaned.

This action however, leads to major damages to the electrical infrastructure.

According to Mr Zwane, during this winter season, the fire services were summoned to various grass fires where electrical mini-substations and poles suffered severe damages.

“It must however also be kept in mind that these mini-substations are mostly manufactured from combustible materials.

“When exposed to heat from a grass fire, these substations and electrical wires will ignite,” Mr Zwane said.

Read the hazards when a substation is on fire in the Highvelder newspaper