The Northern Cape Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development is calling on farmers and land users to be alert, and prepare for the veld fire season which is upon us. The priority must be to reduce the risk of veld fires as well as preparedness to combat veld fires that might occur.
In the 2011/12 financial year, about 422’133 hectares of grazing land in the province were ravished by veld fires. Last year veld fires left one person dead, three injured and a number of livestock also dead in the Pixley Ka Seme District Municipality, which was the hardest hit. Annually, veld fires result in disastrous loss of natural grazing land, animals and in some instance it has lead to the loss of human life. The department is making a plea to specifically farmers, farm dwellers and motorist to act wisely when dealing with open fires and when operating machinery or smoking.
These sporadic fires are in the main caused and driven by the aridness of grass and shrub during this time of year as well as the prevailing winds. The dryness of vegetation coupled with the effect of the winds create perfect conditions for runaway veld fires.
Veld fires are a serious threat to the agricultural sector, and land users are urged to take note of the following risk reduction measures:
• Ensure fire-fighting equipment are easily accessible and in good working condition;
• Be aware of and participate in the local Fire Protection Association (FPA) activities and plans;
• Control and restrict open fires e.g creation of veld fire belts; and
• Open fires must never be left unattended especially on or near dry vegetation.
• Monitor hotspots for possible veld fire outbreaks and report them immediately to your local Fire Protection Association, municipalities, the Extension Office or South African Police Service and have the relevant contact numbers at hand.
Farmers and land users are advised to contact their respective municipalities on the following numbers to report veld fires:
MUNICIPALITY CONTACT NUMBERS
Sol Plaatje 053 832 4211
John Taolo Gaetsewe 053 712 0457 or 10117
Pixley Ka Seme 053 631 0088/053 631 0397
Siyanda 054 337 2815
Namaqua 027 712 8039/027 3418124
It is unfortunate that thousands of hectares of farm land were destroyed last year, while hundreds of farm animals perished and regrettably loss of human life too. The department will closely monitor the situation and ready to deploy personnel to assist in dealing with outbreaks of fires on farms. End
Issued by: Directorate Communication Services – Department of Agriculture Land Reform and Rural Development
Enquiries: Phemelo Manankong - External Communications Officer
Tel: 053 839 7881
Cell: 071 889 5112
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.