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Johannesburg Emergency Management Services (EMS) Spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi says Gauteng residents have to be extra cautious as they are on high alert to contain any possible outbreak of wildfires that may arise due to the heatwave that will continue today.
The South Africa Weather Service has issued a heatwave warning across parts of North West, Free State, Limpopo and Gauteng provinces.
In Phalaborwa, Limpopo extreme temperatures have caused runaway veld fires resulting in one death and destruction of some properties.
Mulaudzi says, “We advise our residents to continue to stay hydrated, try and avoid direct sunlight. Those who are working directly under the sunlight, we advise them to take regular breaks and have lots of water because the exposure to extremely hot temperatures can lead to heat exhaustion, heat cramps and heat stroke.”
“So far we have not yet received a fire incident which might have been cause of the heatwave, hence we encourage our residents out there to exercise caution because we always have a risk of veld fires now that it’s extremely hot. However, we remain on high alert.”
In the Northern Cape, farmers have joined hands with members of the SA National Defence Force (SANDF) in their efforts to douse the flames of a devastating fire that claimed the lives of six soldiers.
VIDEO: Heatwave warning in Gauteng:
