Parts of some provinces at a high risk of veld fires

The North West Umbrella Fire Protection Association says the Fire Danger Index is currently above 75%. The association issued an index warning and fire ban for North West Province earlier this week.

The association alluded that this is based on the current high wind speeds across the province, exceptionally dry flammable material.

The association says the current dry and windy conditions are favourable for the development and spreading of veld fires over the eastern parts of the Northern Cape, most parts of the North West and Free State until Monday.

The chairperson of the Association Eric Stoch says, “We have humidity which is below 30%. We have wind speed and access of 30 kilometres an hour and temperatures are above 30 degrees. The conditions are such that the fire index is way above 75. Under these conditions, runaway fires may develop and spread rapidly, resulting in damage to property and possible loss of human and animal life, especially in the areas where we’ve had droughts. The problem is that the grass is exceptionally dry and brittle.”

Stoch has called on motorists to be careful.

“We’re also requesting motorists to be very careful and if you see smoke crossing the road please do not venture into the smoke, because sometimes we have fire fighters who are standing on the road busy refiling vehicles because this is the safest place for them to be. During the last couple of days we’ve lost four houses in the Molopo area and one house in the Potchefstroom area yesterday because someone working with a slasher. Under no circumstances would we allow any block burns to be done,” adds Stoch.