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Firefighters from Working on Fire in the Eastern Cape partnered with the Alfred Nzo District Municipality, Winnie Madikizela Mandela Local Municipality, for a Fire Awareness Campaign Launch as part of fire season readiness activities last week.
Community members were also equipped with knowledge on how to use fire wisely, and to prevent unwanted fires. They were also educated on how to protect the environment for future generations.
Community Fire Awareness Training Officer, Sinawo Mkhosi, said that the event takes place every year prior to the winter fire season, a joint effort in raising awareness of the risk of wildfires.
“The multi-stakeholder launch will be followed by a series of fire awareness education to communities in fire-prone areas in the province. A series of awareness activities will then be rolled out to communities and schools in the form of workshops and door-to-doors activities assisting communities to be able to take preventative measures to protect themselves from veld fires,” he said.
According to him, Working on Fire and other stakeholders urged the community to be vigilant at all times when dealing with outside fires, to avoid causing unwanted fires.
Mkhosi also said that a proactive community assesses its risks and prepares its property by reducing, removing, or mitigating its fire risks.
“Early preparedness ensures a reduction in unwanted fires and reduces losses. Numerous unwanted fires have occurred in the province and with awareness in these areas we hope to educate the community in taking ownership and pride in the surroundings,” added Mkhosi.
According to him, over 90 percent of unwanted fires are caused by human negligence; however, not all fires are bad. Mkhosi added that veld fires are required to maintain the ecosystem functions under controlled conditions, and can be used as an efficient land management tool in most areas of South Africa.
