Kruger Park experiencing veld fires

Friday, September 19, 2014

Pretoria - The Kruger National Park (KNP) is currently experiencing four fast moving fires since Friday due to the hot weather conditions in the area.

A run-away fire jumped over the border on Friday from Mozambique into the Park, burning areas south of Olifants River, Houtboschrand, N’wanetsi until Tshokwane. However it is now under control.

On Thursday, around lunch time, another fire came from one of the concession areas on the western side of the Park. Two fires started today around Phabeni Gate areas as well and are still raging.

“We are concerned about the hot weather conditions which we have been experiencing this week as they cause these fires to be difficult to control and can cause damage to the environment,” said the Park’s General Manager: Communications & Marketing, William Mabasa.

“Our conservation staff members are working day and night to try and manage all the fires at the moment.

“We would like to advise the public to be on the look-out for fires in the Park and to refrain from starting more, as the dry and windy conditions cause these fires to be fast, hot and out of control,” said Mabasa. – SAnews.gov.za