Authorities still battling veldfires raging in Tsitsikamma

Efforts to suppress raging wildfires in the Coldstream and Koomansbos areas of Tsitsikamma, Eastern Cape where just over 2 400 hectares of commercial plantations and natural veld have been destroyed, are in full swing. 

This is according to the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment's Albi Modise who says more than 150 firefighters, together with teams from governmental and non-governmental organisations, have been battling the fires that reportedly started earlier this week. 

"In addition, two Working on Fire Huey Helicopters and one fixed-wing spotter plane have flown 31 hours, providing aerial firefighting services in support of ground crews at these fires," says Modise. 

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The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, Barbara Creecy has expressed gratitude to the firefighter and different stakeholders participating in the battle. 

The Eastern Cape has two fire seasons - a winter fire season which affects the eastern part of the province from June to October, and a summer fire season which affects the western part of the province from December to April. 

"In preparation for the winter fire season close to 400 firefighters in the Eastern region underwent their annual yellow card training camps which ensured that they are fully fit and ready for the fire season," says Modise. 

However,  Creecy has urged communities and landowners to be extra vigilant during the winter months and not to start any unnecessary fires which could lead to a disaster runaway fire. 

“Ensure that your properties do not have any waste material with a high fuel load and make sure that you do not have overhanging trees close to your properties,” she said.

Property owners are also encouraged to clean their gutters and to have the telephone numbers of their local fire services at hand.