Scorching temperatures during February and March are very condusive to veldfires that are a huge risk to residents of farming areas, as well as towns in the Free State.
The factors driving severe veldfire behaviour are in place for the 2024 fire season, set to commence much earlier than usual in the Free State.
The effects of the 2023-’24 El Niño weather phenomena is evident throughout the summer rainfall area, including the Free State.
Frequent and persistent heatwaves and lower than normal rainfall in the mid to late summer has brought about the early curing of seasonal grasses and shrubs.
This early curing or drying of plant materials creates conditions where combustible fuels are available much earlier than usual.
Johann (Savage) Breytenbach of the Free State Umbrella Fire Prevention Association (FSUFPA) said that these out-of-season fires has already increased substantially during the last two weeks, and experts in this field are not expecting them to subside anytime soon.
“Although the South African Weather Service’s (SAWS) long range forecasts indicate the possibility of above average rainfall occurring in March, April, and May, the growing season has ended causing any greening that may occur to provide temporary relief at best.
“The 2024 fire season is already gaining momentum and conditions conducive to the development of high-intensity fires that spread rapidly may occur as early as mid to late April.”
He said the FSUFPA has taken it upon itself to urge all landowners to start with the implementation of their fire management plans as a matter of urgency, and to ensure that their equipment for these practices are serviced and ready for use. They should also ensure their personnel are trained and provided with protective clothing.
Persons who require assistance with joining a fire prevention association (FPA), development of wildfire management plans, training, or understanding their legal responsibility in terms of veldfires, can find information on fsufpa.co.za or send an email to the FSUFPA at info@fsufpa.co.za.
