Combined effort to prevent veld fires

SASOLBURG. – During the months of winter, veld fires are common in the Vaal. Seeing as smoke from these fires has already cost lives due to traffic accidents that happen as a result of poor visibility in the smoke, entities in Sasolburg has taken hands to prevent this from happening in this area.

Fire breaks and pre-fire burns are in process in the Metsimaholo area between June 15 and August 14. In terms of the National Veld and Forest Fire Act no. 101 of 1998 all landowners must prepare firebreaks to prevent the spread of fire.

Grass burning activities are being performed by Sasol’s Emergency Management Services, Sasolburg Operations together with the Metsimaholo Municipal Fire Department and teams from other mutual aid emergency services from local industries.

The areas that will be affected by this preventative measures are the Leeuwspruit wild land, the Bongani Mabaso Eco Park, the veld between Natref and Sasol Gas Engine Power Plant (SGEPP), the Sasol Midland Site and the veld next to the R59/Parys road. According to Jan Fourie, Sasolburg Operations Senior Manager: Emergency Services, Sasol does these fire breaks to prevent major fire incidents that could result in significant damage to the community to minimise liabilities and to support our environment through protection of vegetation and animal feeding.

For more information, contact the Sasol Emergency Management Control Room at (016) 960 3111 or the Metsimaholo Fire Department at (016) 976 0945.