KZN midlands residents asked to exercise caution amid runaway fires
Thirteen people have died as a result of the veld fires in parts of the province, six of whom are firefighters.
Runaway fires left a trail of destruction in parts of KwaZulu-Natal in the week beginning 8 July 2024. Picture: X/@kzncogta
JOHANNESBURG - Paper and pulp-producing company SAPPI has called on residents in the midlands of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) to be cautious where there are flare-ups with uncontrolled fires.
Thirteen people have died as a result of the wildfires in parts of the province, six of whom are firefighters.
The veld fires spread onto SAPPI premises on Sunday.
READ: KZN declared a disaster area after destructive runaway fires
The company said such incidents shouldn't happen and urged communities to try and be better prepared.
On Monday, some farmers in the area started controlled burns to mitigate the risks of runaway fires.
Preliminary reports suggest the recent inferno was allegedly started by poachers.
And while investigations are ongoing, authorities have warned residents against starting fires that can uncontrollably spread, especially given the heavy winds.
The company's Duane Roothman has called on communities to play a role in preventing the runaway fires from spreading or getting worse.
“As community members let us all be vigilant and when we do see any fire events let us report directly to our local fire authorities or fire protection offices, and let’s make sure that we are prepared so that tragedies like this don’t repeat themselves.”