This is according to Free State Agriculture MEC, William Bulwane. Bulwane spoke to OFM News after fires that broke out on Monday, caused extensive damage to the affected farms. 

Some farmers have lost everything.

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Preliminary estimates have shown that the veldfires that began last week have caused damage to an estimated 70 000 hectares of grazing land. It is also estimated that about 26 000 hectares of grazing land have been destroyed in Tierpoort alone.

The department says in a statement other towns that have been affected are Thaba Nchu, Koffiefontein, Jacobsdal, Petrusburg, Fauresmith, Kroonstad, Soutpan, Bultfontein, Bainsvlei and Edenburg.

Bulwane adds that he and the provincial MEC of the Department of Cooperative Governance, Thembeni Nxangisa, visited a farmer who lost everything as a result of the fire on Tuesday. “I think the department of Cogta is the one that deals with declaring an area a disaster. So, it was important that we should go together and see [the damage], so when we do a report as the Department of Agriculture, we have his support,” says Bulwane.

Farmers have reported losses of game animals, livestock and on-farm infrastructure, such as buildings, amongst others.

The department further stated that it will engage with various stakeholders and assist farmers with providing information on early warning signs of possible fires.

It also urged farmers to continue to maintain proper firebreaks.

Meanwhile, Free State Agriculture has appealed to the public, those who are able to, to please make donations to help farmers who are in need. Visit the organisation’s website for more details on how this can be done, or send an SMS with the word ‘SKENK’ to 37846. SMSs cost R1,00. T’s and C’s apply.

OFM News