30 November 2007
Most large forest fires during the year 2006 and 2007 occurred along major
main roads of the Western Cape, the N1 and the N2. "A big fire last year
occurred close to Du Toit's Kloof (N1) and also along the Outeniqua Pass (N2),"
according to the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry.
Although this department is the manager of the National Veld and Forest Act
of 1998, the Provincial Department of Local Government and Housing plays a
crucial role in implementing this act, as well as the Department's Working on
Fire Programme.
The fire season in the Western Cape begins in November and ends in May of
every year. "But this year this season started earlier, around August 2007,"
according to the Provincial Department's Fire Brigade Specialist, Heinrich
Munnik.
Recent veld and forest fires in the Western Cape and other areas of the
country destroyed lives, property and the environment. In addition, this year's
early fires were more severe than last year's. Thus the Department of Water
Affairs is concerned about the increasing threat of veld and forest fires, and
would like to warn the public not to make fire in the open air.
According to the National Veld and Forest Fire Act of 1998, every landowner
where there is a risk of veldfire needs to take certain minimum precaution to
prevent and combat veldfires. The act further stipulates that landowners need
to prepare boundary firebreaks, have equipment, trained personnel and
protective clothing for fire fighting. Landowners are to always have a
responsible person appointed to act on their behalf in case of a fire, and
fight fires on his/her own and on adjoining land where fires threaten life,
property or the environment.
Although the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry declares a prohibition
on the making of fires in the open air for fire seasons every year, the public
does not seem to adhere to this warning. This year, areas under a year long
prohibition include the Cape Peninsula.
Areas under a six months prohibition (1 November 2007 to 30 April 2008)
include the districts of Swellendam, Montagu, Worcester, Robertson,
Clanwilliam, Piketberg, Ceres, Tulbagh, Caledon, Paarl, Stellenbosch, Strand
and Somerset West.
Government urges the public to never leave a fire unattended, and to keep
emergency numbers close by.
Contact:
Joel Syphus
Cell: 082 808 2739
Issued by: Department of Water Affairs and Forestry
30 November 2007
