Winter wildfires warning
This dry period, exacerbated by the drought conditions, is set to last for the rest of the year.
FIRE experts warn that the risk of unmanageable wildfires occurring in the Zululand area will increase as the winter months approach.
This dry period, exacerbated by the drought conditions, is set to last for the rest of the year.
‘The amount of available water to fight fires is dangerously low,’ said Fire Protection Officer for the Zululand Fire Protection Association (ZFPA), Tony Roberts.
‘It is imperative, now more than ever, for us to act responsibly when it comes to lighting fires.’
The sporadic rains in Zululand in recent times have helped the vegetation remain green, but low humidities and high temperatures quickly dry out the grass.
The forecast remains glum as the area is expected to receive even less rain this year despite the weakening of the ‘El Niño’ factor.
‘We urge the community to take caution when disposing of any form of ignition source, whether it’s cigarette butts, braai embers, burning rubbish, or smoking out bee hives,’ said Roberts.
