Pretoria - The Northern Cape Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development is ready to deploy personnel to assist in dealing with the outbreaks of fires on farms during this veld fire season.
The department's external communication officer, Phemelo Manankong, said while they would closely monitor the situation, they were also calling on farmers and land users to be alert and prepared.
"The priority must be to reduce the risk of veld fires as well as preparedness to combat veld fires that might occur.
"The department is making a plea to specifically farmers, farm dwellers and motorists to act wisely when dealing with open fires and when operating machinery or smoking," said Manankong.
In the 2011/12 financial year, about 422 133 hectares of grazing land in the province were ravished by veld fires.
Last year, veld fires left one person dead, three injured and a number of livestock were lost in the Pixley Ka Seme District Municipality, which was the hardest hit.
According to Manankong, the sporadic fires are in the main caused and driven by the aridness of grass and shrubbery during this time of the year as well as the prevailing winds.
Farmers are urged to ensure that fire-fighting equipment is easily accessible and in good working condition.
Members of the public are urged to contact their respective municipalities on the following numbers to report veld fires:
* Sol Plaatje Municipality: 053 832 4211
* John Taolo Gaetsewe: 053 712 0457 or 10117
* Pixley Ka Seme: 053 631 0088/053 631 0397
* Siyanda: 054 337 2815
* Namaqua: 027 712 8039/027 3418124
