The general manager of the Free State Umbrella Body for Fire Protection Associations, Thinus Steenkamp, says the fires on Wednesday were caused by lightning strikes, electricity cables that snapped in the extreme winds and controlled burns that got out of hand:

“The areas that were affected were Rouxville, Winburg, the  Phumelele, Warden, Memel area, Senekal area had three fires,  Zastron had a fire, Theunissen, Harrismith, Clarens and then this morning we have a fire at the Golden Gate National Park.”

*Thinus Steenkamp – affected areas

Steenkamp says the fire that has been raging in the Harrismith area for two days appears to have been brought under control. He says there were no reports of injuries but there was infrastructure damage and livestock losses.

He says the Fire Danger Index is currently still in the red and is urging caution:

“Our average wind speed, starting off this morning in the north Eastern Free State area, which is the Phemelele/Harrismith area, the current wind speed is around 35km/h and that is also projected to escalate.

“So yes, the wind factor and the dry, warm weather and low humidity contributes to the fires really ‘running’.”

*Thinus Steenkamp – wind factor

Land owners are urged to comply with legislation if they need to burn, and also to do so responsibly. This includes informing the relevant FPA of the intention to burn and monitoring the Fire Danger Index. 

Steenkamp says anyone who wants to report a fire can contact the relevant FPA, municipal fire brigade, the police or the toll free numbers posted along national highways. 

Dangerous conditions such as smoke affecting road visibility can also be reported via the OFM Traffic hotline at 084-327-9497.

Sabrina Dean/OFM News