Farmers in the Northern Cape have been urged to continue taking precautionary measures to prevent veld fires as hot and strong winds are expected to continue for the next few days. This follows this week’s devastating fires in the Boshof area in the western Free State close to the Northern Cape border.
The provincial Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development is encouraging farmers and farm dwellers to report veld fires at their respective municipalities and fire and police stations.
Spokesperson Phemelo Manankong says, “Over the weekend, about 60 000 hectares of grazing land were destroyed by veld fires in the Boshoff district and currently in some parts of the country, including the Northern Cape which is suffering from effects of drought. The department is optimistic that heavens will open and release rain as soon as possible to alleviate the situation as the situation is currently dire and rain is needed urgently.”
