HOT, windy and dry weather conditions have sparked the issuing of a red danger alert for veld fires by the SA Weather Service (SAWS) earlier today (Tuesday).

The warning is in place from 1pm to 5pm today amid ‘extremely high fire danger conditions’ over northern parts of KZN.

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Affected areas include Hlabisa, Hluhluwe, Jozini, Mtubatuba, Nkandla, Nongoma, Ulundi, uMhlabuyalingana and Pongola.

“[Fire Danger Index] is above 75 over the northern parts of KZN today, which is favourable for development and rapid spread of fires,” said SAWS.

“Don’t make fires in open areas or leave fires unattended; don’t throw cigarette butts out of cars or in the open veld; don’t throw bottles in the veld as they can magnify the sun’s rays and start a fire; prepare and maintain fire breaks in a controlled manner, and report fires immediately and move away from the area to allow professionals to deal with it.”

Potential impacts include reduced visibility, damage to property and vegetation, air and water pollution, and loss of human and/or animal life.

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