Pretoria - The Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs in Mpumalanga has called on residents to be extremely cautious and avoid situations that can lead to runaway veld fires.
Residents are also urged to make sure that they do not start fires in open velds; all fires must be controlled and completely put out before residents leave the area, and they should not throw away burning cigarette stubs in the open veld.
Residents are also urged to take into account weather conditions before lighting a fire.
"The department requests residents to be extremely careful when lighting up fires, heaters and other warming appliances, that they should not leave them on and unattended and that they are put off when not in use.
"Fires and heating appliances used to warm ourselves can be a hazard if left unattended," the department said.
A special word of caution is sent to parents, to make sure that children are not left alone with fires and heating appliances, especially because schools are closed.
The department has also instructed all municipalities to be on full alert and standby for any possible fires and urged residents to report any fires as quick as possible to their nearest fire brigade.
