Negligence, weather contributed to M’langa wildfires

Human negligence, lightning and strong winds caused the wildfires that ravaged Mpumalanga in July and August, according to a team appointed to investigate the fires. The fires destroyed an estimated 63 000ha, including plantations and grazing land in 13 of the province’s 18 local municipalities. Seventeen people, including six firefighters, were killed and 27 were injured. “Human negligence caused the fires in a form of carelessly discarded cigarette butts and unmanaged domestic fires. None of the municipalities had firebreaks either, which worsened the situation,” says spokesperson for the Department of Local Government and Housing, Simphiwe Kunene. Report recommendations he report recommends that local authorities have detailed disaster management plans and frameworks, as well as disaster management centres and satellite offices. It also recommends a province-wide radio network be installed and linked to disaster management centres, emergency services, police, traffic and aviation at all times. Fire Protection Associations should also be formed in all areas, and would have to submit progress reports to the provincial disaster management centre every three months. Landowners are also required to make firebreaks before each fire season. The report further recommends that a fire awareness programme be implemented at schools and that road signs be put up to warn of fire dangers. It also suggests that there be more patrols during high-risk times. Forestry South Africa reports that the fires destroyed about 84 000ha of timber throughout the country this winter, but Mpumalanga was the hardest hit. Mike Edwards of Forestry South Africa says Mpumalanga’s losses are estimated at R3,5 billion. – AENS