Help prevent veld fires

Mr Martin Bolton, General Manager of Working on Fire warns the community to be vigilant and to prevent unwanted fires, especially veld fires. As morning and evening temperatures drop, members of the community are urged not to start fires when waiting for a taxi and to not leave the fire unattended when they leave.

PROVINCIAL  –  Unwanted veld fires can cause loss of life, damage to property and destroy the environment.  The Department of Environmental Affairs’ Working on Fire (WoF) programme is warning communities in the province to be vigilant in preventing unwanted veld fires this winter.  Last year the province experienced the worst fire season in seven years and a total of 447 fires were successfully suppressed by the members of WoF.

“If it wasn’t for the hard work and dedication by 24 teams comprising 450 firefighters in total stationed throughout the province, the damage to property and the environment could have been much worse,” explained Nothando Shezi, spokesperson for WoF.  She added that most of the fires that had ravaged the province had mainly been caused by human negligence.

WoF’s general manager, Mr Martin Bolton, has hence requested members of the community to take ownership in reducing the number of fires.  “Unwanted veld fires can cause loss of life, damage to property and destroy the environment,” said Bolton.  He also provided some safety tips to prevent unwanted fires:

• If possible make firebreaks around your home, use a mower, spade or rake to trim branches near your home and clear roofs and gutters of any leaves and twigs.

• Remove all rubbish, leaf litter and shrubs growing too close to your home.

• Store wood, fuel and paint well clear of the house.

• If possible check if you have adequate insurance cover for veld fires.

• Dispose of refuse responsibly.

• Do not illegally burn refuse, tyres and plastics.

•Extinguish and dispose of cigarettes, coals and firewood properly in a safe place.

• Be cautious of fireworks as they can cause veld fires.JD