As the windy and dry season sets in, the City of Ekurhuleni urges residents to remain vigilant and help prevent veld and grass fires.

A single careless act can have devastating consequences for lives, property, livestock and the environment.

Common causes of veld fires include:

• Discarding lit cigarette butts onto dry grass or vegetation
• Lighting open fires near dry veld, especially on windy days
• Children playing with matches or lighters and deliberately burning vegetation
• Lightning strikes, particularly during dry thunderstorms.

Help prevent veld fires by:

• Creating firebreaks around your property
• Cutting grass and clearing dry vegetation regularly
• Never leaving open fires unattended
• Disposing of cigarette butts safely
• Keeping matches and lighters out of children’s reach.

Veld fires produce dense smoke that can reduce visibility on roads, increasing the risk of serious accidents.

Smoke also poses a health risk, especially to people suffering with asthma and other respiratory conditions.

Report life-threatening emergencies by calling 011 458 0911 or 10177, or by dialling 112.