About 18 000 hectares of grazing land in Koopmansfontein areas have been ravaged by veld fires. The fire started two days ago and strong winds are making it difficult to control.
These sporadic blazes are in the main fuelled by the dry state of the vegetations as well as the prevailing winds during this period of the year that often results in runaway veld fires.
At this stage it is difficult to assess the damage as fires are still blazing at four of the farms near Koopmansfontein. The department is urging all farmers and land users to prepare themselves in combating possible veld that could ignite throughout the province.
The officials of the department, farmers, farm workers and the police were battling to control the fire because of the strong winds. The department is also reiterating its call to motorist not to throw away cigarette butts when driving and people must not leave fires unattended.
Annually, veld fires result in disastrous losses of natural grazing, animals and infrastructure and in some instance can lead to the loss of human lives.
Veld fires are a serious threat to the agricultural sector, and land users or farmers are requested to adhere to the following:
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Ensure fire fighting equipments are easily accessible and in good working conditions
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Be aware of and participate in the local Fire Protection Association (FPA) activities and plans
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Control and restrict open fires (e.g. creation of veld fires belts; and
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Monitor the farm or land for possible veld fires regularly and report fires immediately to local Fire Protection Association, municipalities, extension officers and South African Police Services (SAPS), and have the relevant contact numbers at hand.
The department's Sustainable Resource Management division will continuously monitor conditions and warnings will be issued to stakeholders.
The cause of the fire is still unknown at this stage and fires are still blazing as fire fighters are battling to control them and ultimately to put them off.
Enquiries:
Phemelo Manankong
Tel: 053 839 7881
Cell: 071 889 5112
E-mail: pmanankong@ncpg.gov.za
Source: Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, Northern Cape Provincial Government
