WATCH: Extremely high fire danger conditions expected on FRIDAY

Extremely high fire danger conditions are expected in parts of the country on Friday.

WATCH AS THE CONDITIONS ARE FAVORABLE FOR THE SPREADING OF RUNAWAY FIRES

According to Vox Weather, conditions are favorable for the development and spreading of runaway fires in these areas.

“Winds already blowing more than 40km/h in places over the Cape Interior where veld fires may develop and spread rapidly resulting in damage to property and possible loss of human and/or animal life.”

It furthermore said on Friday, that similar conditions to Thursday are expected with north-westerly winds picking up the afternoon over the western interior where runaway fires are at risk. On Saturday, it will become windy in the afternoon over the interior with a cool onshore wind along the coast.

WATCH THE FULL FORECAST HERE:

THE WEATHER WARNINGS HAVE BEEN ISSUED

Meanwhile, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued weather warnings for Thursday and Friday.

It warned of veld fire conditions in several parts of the country.

The SAWS advised that fire teams, labour, and equipment should be placed on standby.

“At the first sign of smoke, every possible measure should be taken in order to bring the fire under control in the shortest possible time.”

ALSO READ: Widespread SNOW expected next week – here is the latest

HERE ARE THE AREAS THAT WILL BE AFFECTED

These areas will be affected on Friday:

• Khâi-Ma
• Pofadder
• Nama Khoi
• Springbok
• Richtersveld
• Alexanderbaai
• Hantam
• Calvinia
• Kamiesberg
• Garies
• Beaufort West
• Dr Beyers Naude – Graaff-Reinet
• Graaff – Reinet
• Walter Sisulu – Burgersdorp
• Burgersdorp

WHAT TO DO WHEN VELD FIRES APPROACH YOUR PROPERTY

What you should do when veld fire approaches your property: 

• Decide whether it is safer to stay or leave the scene.
• Wear protective clothing and footwear.
• Have emergency food and medical supplies ready.
• Move livestock to safer areas.
• Listen to the radio for news updates.
• Wet the garden and house, especially on the side of the approaching fire.
• Plug gutters and fill them with water.
• Fill baths, buckets and dust bins with water in case the water supply fails, and have mops handy.
• Seal any gaps between the doors and floor using wet towels or similar items.
• Close all windows and doors.
• If you decide to stay, go indoors and remain there until the fire has passed.
• Take fire hoses and other firefighting equipment indoors with you.
• Check inside the house, including the roof cavity, and extinguish any small fires immediately.
• Remain vigilant after the fire has passed.
• If you decide to evacuate your home, remember that every second counts:
• Escape first, then call for help. Develop a home fire escape plan and make sure everyone in the family gathers at an agreed meeting place outside.
• Make sure everyone in the family knows two ways to escape from every room.
• Practise feeling your way out with your eyes closed.
• Never stand up in a fire, always crawl low under the smoke and try to keep your mouth covered.
• Practice your family emergency plan / home escape plan frequently with your family.
• Never return to a burning building for any reason, you could die.
• Finally, having a working smoke alarm dramatically increases your chances of surviving a home fire.

“Conditions are such that the Fire Danger Index (FDI) is above 75. Under these conditions, fires may develop and spread rapidly, resulting in damage to property and possible loss of human and/or animal life.”

SAWS

Conditions are such that the FDI index is above 75. Under these conditions, fires may develop and spread rapidly, resulting in damage to property and possible loss of human and/or animal life.

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