By Lloyd Phillips

The state’s Working on Fire and Kishugu joint venture, WOF-Kishugu, only records the wildfires to which it is called. Feedback from provincial fire protection associations suggests the total wildfire tally is significantly higher.

WOF-Kishugu reports that the 1 418 fires fought nationwide from 1 June 1 to 13 August are alarming and don’t include hundreds of other wildfires reported during the winter fire season. Furthermore, the fire season is far from over.

Dr Jack Armour, Free State Agriculture’s commercial manager, said many of the fires could have been prevented, even with the strong, warm and dry winds that often occur during winter and contribute to runaway fires.

He said statistics show that wildfires which spread quickly often start on roads. This can be due to irresponsible motorists throwing burning cigarette butts out of their windows or fires left behind by road workers or hitchhikers.

Then there is the threat of homeless people living under bridges and in underpasses who make fires to cook or keep warm.

Armour says the problem is exacerbated by road authorities often failing to keep road reserves free of flammable vegetation.

“Human actions are also the main cause of many fires along the Lesotho border,” he said. “Fires are deliberately set as an act of intimidation and retaliation when people want to graze their livestock illegally on others’ pasture.”

Faulty Eskom power lines and malicious arson can also cause wildfires.

The malicious setting of wildfires and their often devastating consequences is a topic that African Farming’s sister title, Landbou.com, has reported on several times.

WOF-Kishugu says climate change is a significant factor in the occurrence and severity of runaway fires. “Rising temperatures, prolonged droughts and changing weather patterns contribute to drier landscapes that create ideal conditions for wildfires to ignite and spread quickly.”

Armour and WOF-Kishugu have pointed out that it’s always better to prevent wildfires than to have to fight them.

Armour has called on road users to be cautious and not litter. He also requested that the relevant authorities promptly and properly remove flammable vegetation in road reserves. Farmers should regularly inspect power lines for faults and adjacent properties for high fuel loads and report them to Eskom or the local farmers’ association.

WOF-Kishugu says it regularly conducts fire prevention and awareness campaigns in communities where it operates. Its ground crews also act to reduce fuel loads under controlled conditions.

For visitors or residents of areas prone to wildfires, it is wise to follow a few important fire prevention and awareness tips for safety.

“By following these precautions, we can prevent unnecessary damage to land, infrastructure, livestock and even human lives,” said Armour.

Wildland fire safety tips

To help protect your home and community from wildfires, consider the following safety tips:

1. Create defensible space. Clear vegetation and combustible materials from around your home, leaving a defensible space of at least 30 metres to reduce the risk of fires spreading to your property.

2. Clear gutters and roofs. Regularly remove leaves, pine needles and other debris from gutters and roofs to prevent embers igniting them.

3. Prepare an emergency kit. Have an emergency kit ready with essential items, including water, food, medications, important documents and a first aid kit. Ensure all family members know the location of the kit and how to use it.

4. Create a family evacuation plan. Develop and practise a wildland fire evacuation plan with your family. Know multiple evacuation routes and establish a meeting point in case you become separated.

5. Stay informed. Pay attention to local fire alerts, weather conditions and evacuation orders. Sign up for emergency notifications in your area to stay informed about fire activity.

6. Report suspicious activity. If you see smoke or fire, report it immediately to local fire authorities and fire protection associations.

7. Join a fire protection association in your region/area.