In a season marred by an increasing number of veldfires, Potchefstroom and the entire North West Province have been hit hard, experiencing extensive damage to both farmland and livestock. These fires, some of which seem to be deliberately set, pose not only an immediate threat to agriculture but also a looming danger to residential areas.
Multiple Devestating Fires
Over the past few weeks, multiple fires have ignited in the region, causing significant damage to farms and farmers. In Klerksdorp, an urgent call for help was made as farmers lost vast tracts of grazing land, jeopardizing their financial sustainability. In Potchefstroom, a recent fire escalated to speeds of 45 kilometers per hour. Heroic efforts by firefighters saved a large number of cattle but not before causing minor damage to the 4 Artillery military grounds.
Some of the Fires Past Period
19th August 2023 - Veldfire starts in vicinity of 4th Artillery Military Base, reaching speeds of up to 45 kilometers per hour leading to significant biodiversity and veld losses
19th August 2023 - Three fires in the area of Hartbeesfontein/Klerksdorp destroys more than 9,500 hectares leaving 25 farmers with desperate need for grasing and feed for their cattle, some facing dire financial difficulty as a result.
31st July - Vredefort Dome fire destroying a range of old collecter vehicles and bodies, including a diesel tank with fuel that added considerable danger element to the fire
30th July 2023 - Veldfire on Rooipoort in the direction of Vredefort Koepel that was caused by a trailer that transporting hot ash that caught fire leaving to significant cattle losses as well as the loss of human life when the Farm Foreman died of a heart attack while in process of mercy deaths to cattle that was burned during this fire.
20th July 2023 - Vicinity of Biesies Vlei an illegal Tyre stach of about a kilometer caugh fire due to a runaway velfd fire, there were no fire breaks and no preventative measures in place.
28th June - Velfire near the Potchefstroom Sewage Work
26th June - Runaway fire started on communal land, jumped the N12 and burned into the Agricultural College Propperty of Potchefstroom
Dry and Windy Conditions Fan the Flames
The current dry and windy climate exacerbates the fire risk, setting the stage for potential calamities. Although firefighters have so far managed to contain the blazes, preventing them from reaching populated areas, the volatile conditions make it possible for future fires to pose an even greater risk to the residents of Potchefstroom. The windy and dry conditions could also make house fires particularly devastating.
Arson is Not Climate Change
Immediately when we witness devestation such as the ones caused by these fires we tend to think that these are the signs of Climate change, and whilst climate change may have an impact on the world, the fact is that most of these fires were either caused by negligence and in some cases even arson with these fires having been set deliberately, not thinking about the lives of animals and humans when starting such fires.
All Heroes Do Not Wear Capes
In our midst we have a number of heroes dedicating their time and effort to keep us safe from these fires, combatting fires and saving lives, very few knew about this fire the last weekend as it was raging while we were watching the Springbok game, awe salute these men and woman giving their time and expertise during these times.
The Role of Fire Protection Agencies
The Potchefstroom Fire Protection Association (PFPA) plays a vital role in combating these fires. With three dedicated teams positioned in strategic areas, the PFPA operates under the Field and Forest Fires Act. Their main objective is proactive action to prevent field fires, as well as post-fire action.
The PFPA collaborates with "Working on Fire," a private company, to deploy ground teams and air support, including helicopters and water bombers. They also cooperate closely with various state and semi-state institutions such as the SAPS, SANDF, NW University, and Rheinmetal Munitions, offering a multi-faceted approach to emergency response.
Community Support and Future Outlook
The community has also been lending a hand; Potchefstroom First Responders assisted with supplying water and food to firefighters over the weekend. The dire situation in Klerksdorp, where more than 9,500 hectares were destroyed affecting over 25 farmers, led to calls for financial donations, grazing land, and feed for cattle. A special weekly auction has been initiated to assist these farmers.
A Call to Vigilance
With fires causing devastation on multiple fronts, it's more crucial than ever for residents and authorities alike to remain vigilant and prepared. The potential for disaster is palpable, and the need for proactive measures and community involvement has never been greater.
A Call for Help
The Hartbeesfontein/Klerksdorp area was struck by three devastating runaway veldfires over the past weekend. The tragic events that took place here can be described as nothing short of a disaster. Today, farmers in the area are still trying to make sense of this tragedy. Searches for missing livestock are ongoing, injured animals are being euthanized to relieve their suffering, and plans are being made to secure food for the surviving animals. All of this while farmers bravely try to keep themselves together and not lose hope.
The Matlosana Fire Protection Association is still working to assess the exact extent of the damage as information becomes available to us. Currently, we can announce that according to estimates, more than 9,500 hectares of land in our area were burned during our largest fire of the weekend, which started in the Rietfontein area in Hartbeesfontein and eventually spread in the direction of Wolmaransstad, along the N12.
More than 25 landowners in our area have been affected by this fire. Several farmers have already informed us that they have lost all their grazing land and that feed assistance will be essential for their continued existence. We urgently appeal to surrounding farmers who are in the position to do so, to please donate feed or offer to rent out their extra grazing land.
We would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank every farmer and farm worker who was involved in combating these fires under life-threatening circumstances. Many of them, at their own expense, came from far and wide to assist their fellow men. Our thanks also go out to the Hartbeesfontein Agricultural Association and Matlosana Fire Department who assisted the farmers with firefighting vehicles.
Special thanks also go to the North West Umbrella Fire Protection Association and Working on Fire for the aerial support (consisting of one spotter plane and a helicopter) that was provided to us. Lastly, we want to thank our Heavenly Father for keeping His protective hand over every person involved in the fires. It is only through His Grace that there were no loss of life or injuries.
The sympathy of the Matlosana Fire Protection Association goes out to every farmer affected by this disaster. Rising from the ashes is not easy, but let's cling to the story of Job and remember that God is still there in our darkest times.
Resources and Links
Potchefstroom First Responders: Facebook Page Link
Potchefstroom First Responders: WhatsApp Group Link
Potchefstroom Fire Protection Association: Facebook Page Link
Potchefstroom Fire Protection Association: Webpage Link
North West Umbrella Fire Protection Association: Facebook Page Link
Matlosana Fire Protection Association: Facebook Link
Working on Fire: Facebook Link
Working on Fire: Webpage Link
SA Weather Service's Fire Danger Index: Webpage Link
About Section
Potchefstroom First Responders
Dedicated group of residents communicating and assisting where value can be added to all Fire / Police / Traffic / EMS / Security / Protection Services operating in the greater Potchefstroom area and Informing the community of incidents in their area.
Potchefstroom Fire Protection Association
We control all veld and forest fires around Potchefstroom and neighboring towns. We are also primarily responsible for farm safety and all emergencies. The Potchefstroom Fire Protection Association originated from the then “Civil Protection”, which changed later to “Disaster Management”. In 2005, we integrated the Fire Protection Association into Disaster Management.
We must make it clear that the PFPA does not function under the auspices of the municipal disaster management, but it is a private group of people who are in need of our fellow human beings. The Potchefstroom Fire Protection Association (PFPA ) operates under the Field and Forest Fires Act (Act 101 of 1998), which is bound by a very good constitution, constitution and a set of rules and regulations. Our main goal is proactive action to prevent field fires as well as actions during and post-active action after a field fire.
North West Fire Protection Association
The key operational focus of the North West Fire Protection Association is to ensure a coordinated approach to fire risk and integrated fire management practices in respect of aerial and ground operations throughout a Province, in turn ensuring local or regional FPA’s achieve common standards with regard to overall aerial and ground operations, awareness, training, fire prevention, fire suppression and fire control. The UFPA’s work closely with provincial and local government structures, as well as other fire related service providers and stakeholders to ensure achievement of best practice and effective utilization of all wildfire related resources available.
Working on Fire
Working on fire is an Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) aimed at providing work opportunities to young men and women. The Programme resides under, and is funded by, the Department of Environmental Affairs. Participants are recruited from marginalised communities and trained in fire awareness and education, fire prevention and fire suppression skills. In addition, they are also trained in skills such as first aid, carpentry, cooking, health and safety and communications.
