KZN disaster teams are on high alert after veld fire warnings were issued, noting high fire danger conditions in the northern parts of the province. Picture: UNSPLASH FREE DOWNLOADS
KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) MEC, Thulasizwe Buthelezi, has urged residents in the northern parts of the province to be on high alert following a new veld fire warning.
The South African Weather Service (SAWS) warned of high fire danger conditions in the northern parts of KZN on Thursday, July 11. According to the warning, windy conditions with gusts exceeding 65km/h, coupled with dry and warm to hot weather, are forecast for the northern parts of the province.
“The Fire Danger Index (FDI) is expected to exceed 75 in these regions, creating conditions highly favourable for the development and rapid spread of fires. The possible impacts of the veld fires include reduced visibility, damage to property, damage to vegetation, air and water pollution, among others,” said Mr Buthelezi.
He added that the affected areas include Abaqulusi, Alfred Duma (Indaka and Ladysmith), Big Five Hlabisa (Hlabisa), Dannhauser, eDumbe, eMadlangeni, Endumeni, Jozini, Msinga, Mthonjaneni, Newcastle, Nkandla, Nongoma, Nquthu, Okhahlamba, Ulundi, uMlalazi and uPhongolo.
“Some communities in these areas have already been affected by veld fires, and further precautions are necessary to prevent additional damage and ensure the safety of residents. We urge the public to take this warning seriously and cooperate fully with fire safety measures,” Mr Buthelezi said.
The department has urged residents to take the following precautions:
• Do not start fires in open areas or leave fires unattended.
• Do not discard cigarette butts out of cars or onto the open veld.
• Do not throw bottles into the veld, as they can magnify the sun’s rays and start fires.
• Prepare and maintain fire breaks in a controlled manner.
• In the event of a large fire, report it immediately and move away to allow professionals to manage the situation.
• If water is scarce, use sand to control the fire.
“The KZN CoGTA emphasises the importance of adhering to these guidelines to prevent further devastation and ensure the safety of all residents,” Mr Buthelezi said.
Meanwhile, KwaZulu-Natal Human Settlements MEC, Siboniso Duma, said the department has stepped in and provided a Temporary Residential Unit (TRU) for the Gazu family, who lost a family member during Sunday’s veld fires in uMlalazi and eShowe.
The family’s five huts were reduced to ashes by raging fires. Mr Duma said a concrete foundation has been laid for the TRU.
“Following the death of Baba Nuntukabongwe Gazu, our immediate focus is to assist the family to have a dignified mourning and a funeral. A roving team, led by the Head of Department, Mdu Zungu, has visited the Gazu family and is also profiling other families in distress,” Mr Duma said.
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