Fire season runs from November – April and we ask homeowners and residents to be especially vigilant during this time. Although outside bonfires are huge fun, please take your surroundings in consideration and ensure all outside fires are properly extinguished.

Gas is dangerous – Please follow these precautions:

• Gas bottles must be transported in an upright position
• Bottles must be stored in a well-ventilated area in an upright position
• Turn taps off when bottles are empty and before disconnecting any pipes
• Keep open flames away from storage area (eg pilot light on geyser, burning candles etc)
• Check all pipe connections on a regular basis for possible leaks.

Outdoor Braais – Please follow these precautions:

• Don’t braai outside when it’s very windy
• Do not braai near plants or anything flammable
• Do not leave a braai unattended
• Put out coals after braaiing, do not leave them overnight
• Do not put coals in the bin, in case they’re still warm
• To safely put out your coals, fill a metal bucket with water and put the coals in the water to cool down.

Water Points –

The Disaster Management Team has a list of available waterpoints in the respective Areas in case of an emergency. There are sections in each area with access and manoeuvring challenges for the bigger firefighting vehicles. Accessible waterpoints for smaller vehicles, fitted with a SKID (bakkiesakkie), might just make the difference in the event of a fire breakout.

Prepare your home and property for a wildfire:

• Ensure that flammale items are well away from the house e.g. firewood piles, boxes etc.
• Maintain a minimum two metre gap between your house and tree branches
• Prune lower branches to stop a fire on the ground spreading to the canopy of the trees
• Keep your gutters free of leaves and other combustible material
• Block any gaps under the floor spaces, in the roof spaces, under eaves etc.