The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (KZNCOGTA) MEC Rev. Thulasizwe Buthelezi is urging residents in Northern KwaZulu-Natal to remain vigilant. This follows a veld fire warning issued by the South African Weather Service (SAWS), alerting residents to extremely high fire danger conditions across parts of Northern KwaZulu-Natal on 11 July 2024.
According to the warning from SAWS, KZNCOGTA noted that windy conditions with gusts exceeding 65 km/h, coupled with dry and warm to hot weather, are forecast for parts of NKZN.
Additionally, 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.
Potential impacts of the veld fires:
- Reduced visibility
- Damage to property
- Damage to vegetation
- Air and water pollution
Therefore, residents are urged 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 into 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.
Furthermore, KZNCOGTA emphasised the importance of adhering to these guidelines to prevent further devastation and ensure the safety of all residents.
“We urge the public to take this warning seriously and cooperate fully with fire safety measures,” said KZNCOGTA. The government entity added, “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.”
According to the warning, the affected towns across KwaZulu-Natal are as follows:
- Newcastle
- Ladysmith
- Dannhauser
- Indaka
- Vryheid
- Hlabisa
- eDumbe
- Utrecht
- Dundee
- Jozini
- Msinga
- Mthonjaneni
- Nkandla
- Nongoma
- Nquthu
- Okhahlamba
- Ulundi
- uMlalazi
- Phongolo
As residents are urged to practice caution, what are your thoughts on the above-mentioned?
Share your views in the comment section below.
