By Nape Masemola
Ephraim Mogale Fire Station Chief Mr Gary van Jaarsveld and Team leader Mr Absalom Legwai Conducting fire combating training at Makgatle Village in Sekhukhune
The Limpopo Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in Sekhukhune together with the Ephraim Mogale local Municipality held a joint Veld fire management session and Mock drill with the Makgatle Diphiri farmers Association. Farmers in Makgatle village have written to the department raising concerns about fire outbreaks in the area which negatively impacts on the grazing land. When welcoming the guest, Chairperson of the association Mmakadikwe Phahlamohlaka applauded the department for their prompt response on the issue of fire outbreaks and ensuring that farmers are equipped with necessary skills to be able to detect, prevent, control, and extinguish fires.
Mr. Makadikwe went further to highlight that, with the rising costs of Animal feeds, Small and emerging farmers particularly those who still use communal land for grazing are facing challenges when there are outbreaks, as they negatively affect their livelihoods.
Outlining the purpose of the session, Animal Production Scientist at Sekhukhune District office Michael Maruma said that the aim of the session is to empower farmers with necessary skills and knowledge on how to tackle fire outbreaks and have more boots on the ground to assist during emergencies not only on the camp sites even at home.
Mr Maruma highlighted that even a callout to emergency services comes with a cost and may take time to arrive so the more there are trained personnel equipped within the community the better to reduce the damage. Ephraim Mogale fire station Chief of Veld fire Gary van Jaarsveld presented on the National Veld and Forest fire act no 101 of 1998 which is law that aims to prevent and combat veld, forest and mountain fires.
The act also establishes a framework for fire management including fire protection associations, Fire breaks and fire fighting procedures as well as addressing issues of enforcement, penalties, and the presumption of negligence in case of veld fires.
Ephraim Mogale fire services team leader led demonstration of combating fires Absalom Legwai who indicated that farmers must invest more in fire breaks and fire belts as well as regular trainings to be combat ready. Mr. Legwai also demonstrated on the use of fire extinguishers, hose rills and the operation of a fire truck.
The team leader also urged farmers that when there are outbreaks, the first point of direction is to call the emergency service and provide information such as wind speed and direction as well knowing which tools to use and how to use them. ‘Of importance is also investing in protective gears and regular trainings and awareness on fire combating ‘added Mr Legwai
Mr Absalom Mogale Fire Station Team leader demonstrating on the correct usage of Protective clothing at Makgatle Village
