Photo: Free State Agriculture
According to Kempen Nel, chairperson of FSA’s Natural Resources Committee, the past few days’ strong winds, frost and high fuel load on the veld were conducive to the outbreak and spread of veld fires.
Without proper management a relatively small fire could easily develop into a serious mega-fire, destroying thousands of hectares.
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“That is why it is so important for all farmers and landowners in the province to join organised agriculture structures. This is of utmost importance for effective communication, co-operation and coordination. We simply cannot afford individuals not acting against the fires in an organised manner. Preparation and planning are of the essence in the process of protecting the province against the devastation of runaway fires,” he told Farmers Weekly.
The province’s respective fire protection associations had, according to Nel, submitted their plans to the Free State provincial government and had also met the relevant authorities in preparation of the 2024/25 season.
“We also call on the general public to always be mindful of the threat posed by veldfires. This danger is not only limited to rural and agricultural areas but affected the entire Free State, urban areas included. Please refrain from making open fires, discarding burning cigarettes while driving and using power tools in the open during high-risk days coupled with strong winds,” he said,
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Nel expressed sincere appreciation to the Agri Relief Foundation, which recently donated 35 blowers to FSA. These will be distributed to agricultural associations.
Johan Breitenbach, general manager of the Free State Umbrella Fire Protection Association, reiterated the importance of veld-fire management training. He said climate change, among others, meant that fire behaviour had changed markedly over the past few years.
He ascribed it to issues such as changes in the intensity and frequency of weather events.
“This calls for a new approach, coupled with new methods and applicable training. Without sufficient training it would be extremely difficult to manage the fires proactively.”
Veld fires were also reported between Potchefstroom and Ventersdorp and between Klerksdorp and Potchefstroom in the North West at the time of going to print.
