The Western Cape Government says it has budgeted R16m for the upcoming fire season in the province. This is R1.5 million more last year’s fire season.
The Western Cape’s Local Government, Environmental Affairs
and Development Planning MEC, Anton Bredell, on Tuesday, launched the
provincial fire readiness initiative in Stellenbosch.
Bredell said a busy fire season is expected, as the long
and wet winter season has caused vigorous vegetation growth over large parts of
the province.
He added that dense vegetation, together with hot, dry, and
windy summer weather, creates favourable conditions for wildfires.
ARCHIVE: Bush RadioAccording to statistics from the department, 7 215 wildfires
were experienced, from the previous summer season.
“We have aerial and ground support tenders in place. For
this season we have 4 helicopters on tender, and access to another 4 if needed.
We also have 4 bomber planes and 8 spotter aircraft at our disposal,’’ said Anton
Bredell, Western Cape’s Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development
Planning MEC.
Bredell urged the public in doing their part to prevent
wildfires.
“Fires due to natural causes, such as lightning strikes or
rockfalls, account for less than 3% of all wildfires. The other 97% is caused
either intentionally, 25%, or through negligence, 72%. These statistics show
the huge role ordinary citizens can play to protect not only our natural
environment, but also our personal safety and infrastructure, from runaway
wildfires.”
“Experience over
many years has taught us that the faster the initial response, the better our
chances are of successfully controlling a fire before it spirals out of
control,’’ he added.
Done By: Mitchum George
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