Each person or institution has a role to play in the fight against veld fires and the following can be of importance to prevent veld fires, destruction of the environment as well as loss of life and property.
a. School Children
In the event that school children come across fire:
· Quickly report the incident to any nearby adult person.
· Do not attempt to cross over fire, “crossing over fire may result in fatalities”.
· Do not try to extinguish a veldt fire on your own
· move away from the veldt fire and never ever try to climb trees in the direction of a veldt fire
b. Bus passengers
Travelling can at times be done during the odd hours when the weather is very cold especially in the rural areas. These conditions make passengers make a fire at the bus stop for warmth. Therefore, before leaving:
· Make sure you completely extinguish the fire before leaving
· Make sure all the glowing splints and burning coal are completely extinguished using water.
· Put on warm clothes because history has shown that most road fires are left unattended.
c. Bee smokers
· Use other methods of extracting honey which does not involve use of fire
· Seekadvice from Forestry Commission.
d. Motorists
· Put off cigarette stubs and use ashtrays.
· Assist in fire fighting and always travel with a fire extinguisher.
· Service car electrical and mechanical systems to avoid sparks which can cause veld fires
e.Traditional leaders
· Have fire fighting teams to put off uncontrolled veldt fires in your areas of jurisdiction.
· Carry out fire awareness campaigns throughout the fire season
· Use cultural ways of punishing those who causeveld fires.
f. Rural District Councils
Establish an environmental committee to oversee environmental issues
· Establish environmental sub –committees which are chaired by a councillor in a given ward or wards.
· appoint an environmental monitor in the district in conjunction with EMA
· Ensure that there are fire fighting committees in these various wards
· Report all veld fire incidences within 7 working days to EMA or ZRP
How do l know that a fire might occur?
· It is normally your dry season.
· You experience very hot conditions.
· There is a lot of potential fuel (e.g. dry leaves, wood, dead plants and grass).
· You can clearly see long dry grass and plants.
· There are moderate to strong winds present.
Veld fire trends
YEAR | HECTARAGE | FATALITY | FIRE INCIDENCES |
| 2009 | 950 905 | 10 | 7 409 |
| 2010 | 1 152 413 | 25 | 9 361 |
| 2011 | 713 770 | 5 | 6 780 |
| 2012 | 1 320 325 | 16 | 1861 |
| 2013 | 1 179 274 | 4 | 1981 |
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