Weather service issues fresh fire warning for KZN

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has warned of extremely high fire danger conditions today (Thursday).

This as raging veld fires have over the last few days caused major damage in parts of the Zululand region, with one fatality in the eShowe area.

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The areas that are likely to be affected by the recent warning are Big Five Hlabisa, Jozini, Mthonjaneni, Ulundi, uMlalazi, Pongola, Nongoma, Dannhauser, eDumbe, eMadlangeni, Endumeni, Msinga, Newcastle, Nkandla, Nquthu and Okhahlamba.

The KZN Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) has urged residents in these areas to exercise extreme caution and take the necessary safety precautions.

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“Wind conditions with gusts exceeding 65 km/h, coupled with dry and warm to hot weather conditions, are forecast for the northern parts of KZN.

“The Fire Danger Index (FDI) is expected to exceed 75 in these regions, creating conditions highly favourable for the development and rapid spread of fires,” said Cogta.

Residents are urged to take the following precautions:

• Do not start fires in open areas or leave fires unattended
• Do not discard cigarette butts out of cars or into open veld
• Do not throw bottles into the veld as they can magnify the sun’s rays and start fires
• Prepare and maintain fire breaks in a controlled manner
• In the event of a large fire, report it immediately and move away to allow professionals to manage the situation
• If water is scarce, use sand to control the fire

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