A fire broke out near Morgenzon Landbou Akademie on September 15, and resident Frans Joubert has raised concerns that the Morgenzon fire brigade’s lack of resources could pose serious risks in the future.

According to Joubert, firefighters faced a difficult situation when the fire started near the MLA Girls Hostel. The brigade apparently had no proper equipment to extinguish the flames.

Joubert noted that while the fire brigade had access to a water tank earlier this year, they have only been operating with a single vehicle in recent weeks. In 2024, fire chief Melanie Shemane visited Morgenzon to assist with fire breaks in preparation for winter.

This year, the exercise could not take place due to a shortage of firefighting teams.

“In cases of serious fires where lives are in danger, nothing can be done,” Joubert claimed.

He explained that fire crews now have to travel from Standerton, which increases response times and results in more extensive damage.

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Farmers have started sourcing their own firefighting equipment in an attempt to control fires.

“Fires can get out of hand quickly due to lightning, wind, and other factors. Thousands of hectares, livestock, and human lives are at stake,” said Joubert.

Many of the fires reportedly start in the informal settlement bordering the school, where residents rely on open fires for cooking and heating due to lack of electricity.

These fires are made without regard for fire prohibitions set by the Lekwa Fire Protection Agency, which aims to prevent wildfires. Joubert warns that the lack of resources could lead to serious problems.

The spokesperson for Lekwa Municipality, Lubabalo Majenge said the municipality has allocated four new firefighters to improve capacity of the Morgenzon fire station and it also gets support from Standerton fire station to make it more effective.

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