About 12000 ha of grazing land have been ravished by veld fires and left three people injured in Colesburg in Pixley ka Seme District Municipality.
These sporadic fires in the main are caused by the aridness of grass and shrubs during this time of the year as well as prevailing winds. The dryness of the vegetation coupled with the effect of winds create perfect conditions for runaway veld fires in the province.
The Department of Agriculture Land Reform and Rural Development is appealing to farmers, farm dwellers and motorist to continue acting wisely when dealing with open fires and when operating machinery or smoking.
They must continue practicing precautionary measures to help in preventing veld fires. Motorist and pedestrians are also urged not to throw away cigarettes butts while driving or walking.
Annually veld fires result in disastrous loss of natural grazing land, animals and properties while in some instance it leads to loss of human life. The priority must be to reduce the risk of veld fires as well as preparedness to combat fires that might occur.
Meanwhile farms between Campbell and Griekwastad and Douglas near Kalkdam and Campbell are also affected by veld fires.
Details at this stage are sketchy. In both incidents Disaster teams are stills accessing the situation and a preliminary report will be released. The cause of both fires are still unknown at this stage.
Farmers and land users are encouraged to contact their respective municipalities to report veld fires, nearest fire station or police station.
The department is closely monitoring the situation. End
Issued by: Directorate Communication Services – Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development
Enquiries: Phemelo Manankong – External Communications Officer
Tel: 053 802 5622
Cell 071 889 5112