Share

Fire, strong winds warning for Eastern Cape

Johannesburg - The Eastern Cape provincial government warned residents in certain parts of the province on Monday of strong winds and veld fires.

"A high veld fire danger rating is expected in the north-western interior and along the coast in the Great Kei and Mnquma area," it said in a statement.

Strong winds often occurred along coastal regions, and during thunderstorms.

"These winds are sudden and can cause much damage."

It was advisable to stay indoors where possible, and away from windows facing the wind.

Travellers were warned to be aware of sudden cross-winds, especially between buildings, and fallen trees, power-lines, or flying debris.

Listen for warnings

"Small boats must stay away from the open sea and seek the shelter of a harbour, river estuary, or protected bay," the province said.

"Parked aircraft should be pointed into the direction of the wind and secured. Listen to the radio or TV for warnings, and obey the instructions from disaster management officers."

The risk of veld fires was linked to prolonged periods of little or no rain, coupled with warm, dry winds.

"Veld or bush fires can easily be sparked and will spread rapidly in strong winds," the province said.

Residents were advised to not make fires in the open, leave fires unattended, and not to throw cigarette butts out of cars, or in the veld.

"Don’t throw bottles in the veld as they can magnify the sun’s rays and start fires," it said.

"Prepare and maintain fire breaks in [a] controlled manner."

Large fires should be reported to authorities.

"Never throw water onto a fire started by an electrical fault or fires started by oil or paraffin lamps. In this case, sand or a blanket should be used to smother the fire."

Rural development MEC Mlibo Qoboshiyane appealed to residents to remain vigilant.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Do you think corruption-accused National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula will survive a motion of no confidence against her?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
No, her days are numbered
41% - 559 votes
Yes, the ANC caucus will protect her
59% - 805 votes
Vote
Rand - Dollar
18.88
+0.3%
Rand - Pound
23.86
+0.2%
Rand - Euro
20.39
+0.2%
Rand - Aus dollar
12.31
+0.2%
Rand - Yen
0.12
+0.2%
Platinum
908.05
0.0%
Palladium
1,014.94
0.0%
Gold
2,232.75
-0.0%
Silver
24.95
-0.1%
Brent Crude
87.00
+1.8%
Top 40
68,346
0.0%
All Share
74,536
0.0%
Resource 10
57,251
0.0%
Industrial 25
103,936
0.0%
Financial 15
16,502
0.0%
All JSE data delayed by at least 15 minutes Iress logo
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE