Veld fires raging out of control have destroyed about 7000 hectares of grazing land in Pniel, Secretaris, Rooipoort and Goodhoop farms outside Barkley West in the Northern Cape.
The fires that started late last night are currently ongoing and the Provincial Disaster team are busy trying to extinguish it.Strong winds are making it difficult for the team to win the battle.
These sporadic fires in the main are caused by the aridness of grass and shrubs during this time of the year as well as prevailing winds. The dryness of the vegetation coupled with the effect of winds create perfect conditions for runaway veld fires in the province.
Since the beginning of this year to date, about 99 000 ha of grazing land that has been reported to have been ravished by veld fires across the province.
Earlier veld fires caused damages in farms like Wonderwerk Farm 40 km outside Kuruman towards Danielskuil, Majeng in the Magareng Local Municipality and Boshoff District farms bordering Northern Cape and Free State Province.In Majeng preliminary assessment revealed that about 26 camps were affected, 37 smallerholder farmers and 926 large stock and 200 small stock were affected. Full assessment might cover infrastructure.
The Northern Cape Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development is reiterating its call to all land users and farmers to continue practicing precautionary measures when dealing with veld fires.
The priority must be to reduce the risk of veld fires as well as the preparedness to combat fires that might occur during these dry seasons.Annually, veld fires result in disastrous damage to natural grazing land, animals and properties while in some instance it leads to loss of human life.
The Department is making a plea to farmers, farm dwellers and motorists to continue acting wisely when dealing with open fires and when operating machinery or smoking.The priority must be to continue practicing precautionary measures to help in preventing veld fires.Motorist and pedestrians are also urged not to throw away cigarette butts while driving or walking.
Farmers and land users are advised to contact their respective municipalities to report veld fires, nearest fire station or police station on the following numbers 10177 or 08 600 10111. No loss of human beings and livestock have been reported so far. End
Issued by: Directorate Communication Services – Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development Enquiries: Phemelo Manankong – External Communications Officer
Tel: 053 802 5622 Cell 066 303 8177
pmanankong@ncpg.gov.za
www.agrinc.gov.za