Some KZN farmers resort to controlled burns to fight runaway fires

DURBAN - Some KwaZulu-Natal farmers have resorted to igniting controlled fires in a bid to mitigate disaster after veld fires ravaged through parts of Boston, claiming six lives.

The runaway fires first hit parts of the province last Sunday, leaving over 121 homes destroyed.

As a result, farmers in the Midlands are currently burning dry parts of their vast land to avoid further destruction.

Farmers in the Midlands have explained that the strategy to start their own fires was commonly used to control runaway fires but also douse them quickly in case of flare-ups.

Umgeni Mayor Chris Pappas explained how this method prevented disaster.

"Firebreaks are controlled burns that enable people to control fires better if there are runaway fires, in other words, if there is uncontrolled fire it then reaches a point where there has been a controlled burn and there is nothing else to burn and it’s easier to control."

Three firefighters died while battling the Boston blaze, while three others succumbed to their injuries in hospital.

Livestock, tribal land and wildlife have also been badly impacted in affected areas.