Free State Agriculture (FSA) confirms that farmers and the Fire Protection Association structures fought fires throughout the night (12 July 2021) following a day of cold and winds of up to 70km/hr. Most of these fires were in the south western Free State, in the Xhariep district, with the biggest having started near Edenburg and blazed up to near Tierpoort, says Jack Armour, Commercial Manager of FSA.

According to Johann Breytenbach of the Mangaung Umbrella Fire Protection Association (MUFPA), “the main fire has covered an area exceeding 62km in length with a fire front of up to 50km wide. Active fires are still burning from Edenburg till Tierpoort on the N1.” 

Breytenbach reports livestock and game losses and structures that became engulfed in the fire, however they are still not sure of the extent of the damage. He expects fires to be contained later on in the day as winds die down and more resources come in.  

To read more on this developing story, click here.

Anyone wishing to assist the affected farmers can do so with financial contributions made to:
Vrystaat Landbou
ABSA Account: 470940670
Branch Code: 632005
Please use the reference “FIRES” + cell number.