Lekwa FPA ends 2024 with good news

The Lekwa Fire Protection Agency (FPA) held its last monthly meeting for the year and year-end event at the Appledew Guesthouse on November 13.

Several roleplayers, such as the Lekwa Fire Brigade, AfriForum and multiple Farmers’ Union representatives, attended.

Frans-Awie Vermaak, the FPA director, chairperson and acting manager, welcomed the participants and started the meeting.

Though damage of about R60m was reported during the year, the Lekwa FPA said no fatalities resulted from fires this year.

The group announced that in collaboration with the Standerton Fire Department and other roleplayers, a Working On Fire team in Standerton could become a reality. A Working on Fire team comprises 18 well-trained individuals who are government contractors.

This team must prepare government-owned grounds and facilities for the seasons when fires could spiral out of control. The group also noted that fire control on the dumpsite had improved recently.

“New security guards were appointed and started closely monitoring the grounds as of October 1,” said Vermaak.

Currently, the biggest struggle facing the Standerton Dumpsite is a shortage of water trailers to contain situations when fires could run rampant.

During the meeting, Vermaak explained that the recent unpredictable weather had caused several fires in areas around Standerton.
Since September, lightning has caused six fires.

“We need 20mm of rain to end the fire probation,” explained Vermaak.

Some highlights of this year include clearing the Standerton and Morgenzon dumping sites, launching the Lekwa FPA app and appointing Fire Chief Melanie Shimane as fire protection officer.

This appointment allows the FPA to advise people wanting fire permits and to fine those not complying with the fire safety laws.

In 2025, the FPA plans to enhance the fire permit process by allowing the public to apply for permits on the FPA app. After the meeting, attendees had delectable platters provided by the guesthouse.

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