KZN govt to equip municipalities with capacity to extinguish wildfires this winter
Officials have reported that over 1,600 people died from uncontrolled fires in parts of the province, with 14,000 hectares of grazing land also destroyed.
Residents of Kenville informal settlement in KwaZulu-Natal pick up the pieces after fires ravaged the region, 16 July 2024. More than 100 homes were destroyed, affected at least 300 people. Picture: GCIS (KZN)
DURBAN - The KwaZulu-Natal provincial government says it will equip municipalities across the province with tools to handle wildfires during this winter.
The province is particularly prone to wildfires during the winter season.
Officials have reported that over 1,600 people died from uncontrolled fires in parts of the province, with 14,000 hectares of grazing land also destroyed.
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Cooperative Governance MEC Thulasizwe Buthelezi briefed the media on Friday.
“We will be distributing fire beaters to municipalities for them to commence with the programme of burning fire breaks, in areas that are prone to wildfires.”
He says rural areas will benefit from this.
“This assists in reducing the risk of veld fires, more especially in susceptible areas and rural communities.”