Photo: Johan Breytenbach
According to the statement, the likelihood of an El Niño weather pattern in the Southern Hemisphere was extremely likely.
El Niño was associated with hot, dry conditions. The possibility of above normal temperatures during the coming winter, spring and in early summer coupled with high fuel levels was a cause for concern that needed to be managed as effectively as possible.
The FSUFPA warned that veld fires were not limited to farms and rural areas and occurred in peri-urban areas too. Properties situated in peri-urban areas and so-called green zones, as well as conservancies bordering on urban areas, were also at risk of veld fires.
“It is the responsibility of every person in the province to take cognisance of the danger of veld fires. We call on them to refrain from throwing cigarette butts from vehicles, make open fires in unprotected areas and from the use of hot-work, like welding, in strong wind.
“We are at the beginning of the fire season, and all landowners [should conduct] a risk assessment of the possibility of veld fires and to put measures in place to mitigate the risk thereof. It is imperative for landowners to join local Fire Protection Associations (FPA) and for the members of the FPA’s to be prepared for any veld fire outbreaks. The FPA’s are not only involved in fire combatting but also in the management of the aftermaths of fires”
Veld fires posed a very serious danger in the province, with the Free State having lost 745 000ha to veld fires in 2021.
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