Residents of Extention 5 in eMbalenhle are preparing to welcome the new year by building a bonfire tree that will be set alight at midnight tonight (December 31).

This gesture is done yearly in different communities across the Govan Mbeki municipal area.

Officials of the Govan Mbeki Municipality, urged residents to take caution on bonfire safety.

In a press release from the municipality, they warned residents to refrain from setting up bonfires and lighting them near houses, near power lines, on the roads, or near municipal infrastructures.

According to the press release, bonfires can be set up in open spaces, away from houses.

The officials als warned in the press release that tyres release toxic smoke and unhealthy gases that can be harmful to human beings and animals and cause fire damage if not monitored or controlled.

In any cases of emergencies, contact 112 or 017 631 0150.