The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs in Mpumalanga would like to warn residents in the province that the Highest Fire Danger (FDI) forecast for the fire season to date is expected for today and tomorrow (1 to 2 September 2011). The High Fire Danger Index means the spread of wild fires is very likely throughout the province.
Land owners and the public are requested to use extreme caution. No burning permits will be issued and no open fires are advised during this period.
The department would like to request residents to make sure that they do not start fires in the open veld, all fires are controlled and that they make sure that the fires are completely put out before leaving that area and they must not throw away burning cigarette stubs in the open veld.
The Provincial Disaster Management team and the Mpumalanga Umbrella Fire Protection Association are monitoring the situation. All Working on Fire Teams (WoF) and aircraft are on immediate stand by. The department has also instructed all municipalities to be on full alert and standby for any possible fires. Residents must report any fires as quick as possible to their closest fire brigades.
For more information contact:
Simphiwe Kunene
Cell: 082 413 3931
