Dry conditions, heat spark fires in Langkloof
FIREFIGHTERS had their hands full in the Langkloof region over the weekend, with veld fires starting on Friday afternoon and officials still monitoring smouldering stretches of dry vegetation through last night.
The Kareedouw fire team of eight firefighters, with the help of two Kirkwood vehicles and their teams, had to fight no fewer than 11 fires at the weekend.
Some were brought under control quickly, while others tore through fynbos in inaccessible places along the mountainous Langkloof.
Regional protection services manager Warren Prince, based in Kareedouw, said it was unclear what caused the fires, but investigation would continue.
“This is our dry season, and we have issued stern warnings against fires, especially controlled burning,” Prince said.
“Farmers have to apply for special permits, and our firefighters have to be present to monitor the fires.”
But many people disregarded the warnings and often the fires they started got out of hand.
He said the first fires started at about 4pm on Friday next to the R62, near Joubertina.
On Saturday, fires flared up near Woodlands, Louterwater, Mountain View and Boplaas, and on Sunday teams were dispatched to Klipdrift, Clarkson and again to Boplaas.
Late last night, firefighters were still battling blazes next to the N2 near Witelsbos and Storms River.
“No injuries were reported, and the only property damage we know of was a storehouse in the Boplaas area where bales caught alight. A vehicle and farm implements were damaged.”
Prince said fires were notoriously difficult to fight in the Langkloof due to the dry conditions, the difficult terrain and fires that sometimes spread underground.
“We have seen how the roots of vegetation, in mole tunnels, stay alight or smoulder for days on end.
“You may think the fire is under control, then it flares up in a completely different place without warning.”
Prince was confident that the situation was under control, but his teams will keep an eye on the area for any signs of recurring fires.
The SA Weather Service issued warnings about extremely hot temperatures and possible veld fires spreading across the Eastern Cape, especially in areas like the Baviaanskloof and Langkloof.
Joubertina is expected to reach 38°C today, while regions along the Baviaans, like Willowmore, are likely to reach 40°C and higher.