The South African Weather Service issued fire warnings to several provinces and towns as the Fire Danger Index indicated a high-risk today.
South Africa (29 March 2022) – Despite the weather cooling in places, there are still high risks of veld fires in parts of the country. The South African Weather Service has issued a warning to the Eastern, Northern and Western Cape, stating that the risk is high today.
The Fire Danger Index (FDI) is measured throughout South Africa, and risk is ranked on a scale of 0 to 100. The WeatherSA Portal has an interactive warning system that allows you to check the risk in your area. You can access the portal here.
The areas in blue are classed as “safe” with a scale of 0 to 20, areas in green are classed as “moderate” with a scale of 21 to 45, areas in yellow are classed as “dangerous” with a scale of 46 to 60, areas in orange are classed as “very dangerous” with a scale of 61 to 75, and lastly, the red areas are classed as “extremely dangerous” with a scale of 76 to 100.
“Conditions are such that the FDI index will be above 75. Under these conditions fires may develop and spread rapidly resulting in damage to grazing land, crops, property and possible loss of life.
The public is advised not to start any open fires as conditions will be conducive for runaway fires. Fire teams, labour and equipment are to be placed on full stand-by. At first sign of smoke, every possible measure should be taken in order to bring the fire under control in the shortest possible time.” – South African Weather Service
The Fire Danger Index provides a three-day forecast of potential danger, and thankfully, the extreme danger subsides for the 30th and 31st of March 2022. You can check that out here.
Fire teams in these areas are on alert and ready to act should there be any flare-ups. The public can assist by calling in any signs of a fire to their local fire station. Smokers are encouraged to find alternatives to throwing cigarette butts out the window, and people in these areas are asked not to start any open fires for food or leisure purposes.
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