Clarens Community Rally to Support Farmers Who've Lost Winter Feed to Fires

Photo Credit: Supplied

At 4 pm on Sunday, the 7th of July 2024, a veld fire broke out in Clarens, and then it spread, wiping out the winter supply of food for local farmers’ cattle.

Clarens, South Africa (10 July 2024)—The community of Clarens has rallied to fight wild veld fires that have turned the quaint town into a smokey battleground. Firefighters are batting back the fires encroaching on the town. Sadly, the winter stock of livestock feed for many local farmers has been burned away.

The community has rallied to join in fighting the fires, collecting donations for people who have lost so much, and cooking food for those fighting on the frontlines. These brave men and women have been out along the mountains, facing the fires in the freezing cold.

Community member Imogen Tarita shared footage of the fire captured from her home. She also shared that the fire had moved towards the town. Over 70 firefighters are out there trying to keep the fire away from the town. Last night, it was brought under control, but this morning, the fire was flaring up and causing a great deal of stress. It is currently in the Clarens Nature Reserve and Conservancy.

The concern now is that many of the farmers have lost their winter feeds. The community is rallying support to get feed back into town for the livestock, helping them through the brutal winter faced in the Free State. The bales that were stored in fields, grown over long, hard seasons, have gone in seconds. The community hopes to rally support for replacing these.

“Talvin from the Water Depot in Clarens has been helping out with water and even out fighting the fires themselves and on Sunday, Amanda from Mosaic Pizzeria and Shelley from Clementines made pizzas for them all it was a long night with many out there until 4:30 am” – Imogen Tarita

The Artist Cafe in town supplied lunches on Monday and Tuesday. To add to the help on hand, on the first night, the local Clarens Brewery supplied meals for the firefighters, and last night, the local Protea Hotel supplied meals to keep bellies warm and energy high during the firefighting. They are also keeping firefighters hydrated.

Lindsey and her team from the Clarens Brewery prepared 60 meals for the firefighter

There are several ways to support the small but popular town. Fine & Country Bethlehem, Clarens & Rosendal are available to assist and facilitate donations. If you would like to support the farmers, you can find the details here. They have supplied the banking details for the Clarens Boerevereeniging, which will then assist the farmers affected by the fires.