Veld fires cause devastation for farmers and landowners therefore it is necessary to know how to mitigate the chances of it occurring. Farmers are required to know their responsibilities under the National Veld and Forest Fire Act, the importance of firebreaks, and effective fuel load management.
In this episode of Farmer’s Inside Track, Dale Nortje discusses wildfires, focusing on prevention tips and guidelines. Nortje is an experienced wildfire consultant and manager of the Winelands Fire Protection Association.
He gives insight into common causes of fires and offers practical advice on fireproofing properties and safeguarding livestock and crops.
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Fire safety guidelines
Nortje emphasises farmers’ responsibilities about veld fires, guided by the National Veld and Forest Fire Act. He also advises farmers to ensure that their property is not prone to damage from veld fires by following guidelines such as keeping firefighting equipment and trained personnel on hand.
Other guidelines include preparing firebreaks and identifying “safe zones” on the property and inspecting the property regularly.
Nortje explains that veld fires can be caused by natural events but also anthropogenic causes such as poorly maintained electrical lines and arson.
“Good housekeeping, especially around buildings and infrastructure. You also should keep the place relatively clear and clean so that if a fire should occur, it doesn’t cause damage to buildings,” he shares.
In this episode, Nortje also addresses:
- Prompt reporting of fires and educating staff about wildfire risks and preventative measures.
- Joining a fire protection association in preparation for veld fire seasons and more.
Want to know more? Dive deeper into the episode and gain insights from the award-winning Farmer’s Inside Track, officially recognised as Africa and the world’s best podcast at the 2024 Digital Media Awards presented by WAN-IFRA, the global press organisation.
Option 1: Click here to listen on Spotify (all mobile and other devices)
Option 2: Click here to listen on any Apple device
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