10 October 2023
By: Fredalette Uys
Since the beginning of the fire season on June 1, wildfires have already destroyed an estimated 480 000 hectares in the Northern Cape, with six military personnel losing their lives near Kathu due to a wildfire spreading from an adjacent mining property.
“It saddens us to learn that a wildfire that started near Kathu yesterday has claimed the lives of five (six according to a statement) of our military personnel,” said Eben Anthonissen, head of environmental affairs at Agri Northern Cape.
According to Anthonissen, environmental conditions led to the fire being uncontrollable.
The initial statement from the military said the fire was spread by a 70km/h wind. “Members of local communities, volunteers, firefighting associations, municipalities and mine firefighters took over firefighting efforts with the support of military personnel at the Lohatla combat training centre early on Friday,” it said.
“The fire had not been brought under control as of this morning. Several firefighting associations issued warnings yesterday for extremely high fire danger conditions in the central parts of South Africa.
“The conditions are expected from Friday until next Tuesday. This includes a crossover phenomenon where daytime temperatures and humidity differ by more than half. This means fires are extremely hot, strong winds spread the fires faster, and little moisture is available for cooling at night.
“Consequently, the making of open fires is prohibited in North West, the Free State and the Northern Cape, among others.”
Significant damage
According to Antonissen, the devastation left by wildfires is enormous and affects not only farmers but also surrounding communities. The loss of grazing land as well as livestock and infrastructure are just the tip of the iceberg.
“The psychological injuries that affected individuals and communities face will have more lasting consequences,” he said.
The Agri Northern Cape Foundation is supporting farmers affected by the fires with emergency fodder. The foundation also has preventative programmes in the form of training and equipment donations to high-risk and rural areas.
The organisation plays an important role in preventing and combating wildfires more effectively. It works with mining companies, district and local municipalities, firefighting associations and government institutions, as well as volunteer firefighters and members of the public.
“Our thoughts go out to everyone who has suffered fire damage in the form of property destruction, livestock losses, as well as the families who have lost loved ones,” said Anthonissen.
“Our prayers go further to the determined firefighters who endanger their safety and wellbeing to help farmers and residents in towns and communities protect the province’s resources and infrastructure.”
