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Department warns about runaway veld fires in drought-stricken NC

───   06:03 Fri, 30 Aug 2019

Department warns about runaway veld fires in drought-stricken NC | News Article

The Department of Agriculture, Land Reform, and Rural Development in the Northern Cape appeals to farmers and communities to practice precautionary measures when dealing with veld fires.


The department’s spokesperson, Phemelo Manankong, says it needs to be a priority to reduce the risk of runaway veld fires while farmers need to be prepared to combat these fires. According to him the risk is currently high for fires due to the aridness of grass and shrubs and prevailing winds.

He says the Namakwa and Pixley Ka Seme districts in the province remain drought-stricken with the veld and livestock which are in a poor condition in many areas. That is why it is important to continuously act wisely when dealing with open fires. People must be cautious when operating machinery and smoke on farms. Motorists and pedestrians are urged to avoid throwing away cigarette butts while driving or walking. According to Manankong, the largest area that was affected by fires last year was when about 60 000 hectares of veld which were ravished in the Boshof district.

OFM News’ Vernon Baumann spoke to Manankong…


See attached PODCAST


That was Phemelo Manankong spokesperson of the department of agriculture in the Northern Cape.


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