BY DELISA THWALA
MBABANE– As temperatures plummet and winds persist, the winter season brings with it a rising frequency of fires.
The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) has found it crucial to inform and educate the public about the dangers of fires, as well as the necessary safety measures and preventive actions.
This sadly comes after 60 fires were reported in June alone NDMA Communications Officer Wandile Mavuso said fires have consistently devastated Emaswati, with lives and property lost as a result.
He said the Eswatini Fire and Emergency Services alone has reported 60 Grass Fires since the beginning of June alone.
Mavuso said this was a worrying trend considering the high incidence of fires that the country has experienced in just a short span of time. The fires were reported in various regions.
Within the regions where the National Disaster Management Agency operates, there were reports of fires that destroyed homesteads.
Meanwhile, Mavuso warned members of the public, he said keeping debris away from the inside and outside of their homes is very important.
“Items such as firewood, leaves, and other flammable materials are particularly susceptible to catching fire from stray ashes or sparks, hence it’s crucial to keep them away from the exterior of your property,”
“If a fire breaks out and finds that there are dry plants, chances are that it will spread even faster as it will be forced by the winds. Winds provide additional oxygen to the fire, making it more intense and helping to spread the fire by convection and by carrying burning embers,” he said.
He further mentioned and warned us to always keep an eye on flames and never leave them unattended. When cooking, using candles, or employing any other form of flame or excessive heat, it is essential to ensure that they are monitoring it continually. While cooking using fire, avoid wandering away from the fire, and always keep a watchful eye on the fire.
“Put out the fireplace Ensure that you exercise caution when handling your fireplace. Always extinguish the fire entirely before leaving the vicinity, allowing you to keep a close eye on it and prevent the possibility of it igniting again unexpectedly,” he said the
He also warned of ‘kubabela’ fire breaks to ensure safety when engaging in (Fire breaks) there are necessary steps to take.
“First, make sure to obtain the required permit from the Ministry of Agriculture. Avoid burning when the wind is high to prevent the potential spread of flames. It’s also critical to have a team of people who can assist you in case the fire spirals out of control. “ Always notify the Fire and Emergency Personnel beforehand so that they can provide aid quickly and efficiently if needed. For those who reside in close proximity to Forest companies, Montigny and Peak Timbers, please do not hesitate to call their toll-free numbers to assist with fire breaks. Monitgny 3344 and Peak Timbers 1313,” he said.
