KZN disaster teams on high alert after veld fire warning

KwaZulu-Natal Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) MEC, Thulasizwe Buthelezi, has urged residents in the northern parts of the province to be on high alert following a new veld fire warning.

The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has warned of extremely high fire danger conditions in the northern parts of KwaZulu-Natal on 11 July 2024.

According to the warning, windy conditions with gusts exceeding 65 km/h, coupled with dry and warm to hot weather, are forecasted for the northern parts of the province.

The Fire Danger Index (FDI) is expected to exceed 75 in these regions, creating conditions highly favorable for the development and rapid spread of fires.

The possible impacts of the veld fires include reduced visibility, damage to property, damage to vegetation, and air and water pollution, amongst others.

Buthelezi said the affected areas include Abaqulusi, Alfred Duma (Indaka and Ladysmith), Big Five Hlabisa (Hlabisa), Dannhauser, eDumbe, eMadlangeni, Endumeni, Jozini, Msinga, Mthonjaneni, Newcastle, Nkandla, Nongoma, Nquthu, Okhahlamba, Ulundi, uMlalazi and uPhongolo.

“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. We urge the public to take this warning seriously and cooperate fully with fire safety measures,” Buthelezi said.

The department has urged residents 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 onto the 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.

“The KZN CoGTA emphasises the importance of adhering to these guidelines to prevent further devastation and ensure the safety of all residents,” Buthelezi said.

Buthelezi will today conduct a visit to affected areas in uMlalazi and Nkandla Local Municipalities.

Temporary shelter for Gazu family

Meanwhile, KwaZulu-Natal Human Settlements MEC, Siboniso Duma, said the department has stepped in and provided a Temporary Residential Unit (TRU) for the Gazu family, who lost a family member during Sunday’s veld fires in uMlalazi and eShowe.

The family’s five huts were reduced to ashes by raging fires.

Duma said a concrete foundation has been laid for the TRU.

“Following the death of Baba Nuntukabongwe Gazu, our immediate focus is to assist the family to have a dignified mourning and a funeral. A roving team, led by the Head of Department, Mdu Zungu, has visited the Gazu family and is also profiling other families in distress,” Duma said.

Duma has also sent his condolences to the Gazu family and wished another family member, Japhet Gazu, who is currently in the hospital, a speedy recovery. – SAnews.gov.za