T RA D E N E W S
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How farmers can be more
fire-smart
W
ith the dry autumn and wintertime
approaching farmers need to be more alert
to veldfires. Here are a few tips:
Learning to recognise the weather conditions
associated with high fire danger: temperature,
wind speed/direction and humidity.
Owners of thatched houses must take all
the necessary precautions such as installing
drenchers, using fire blankets and having fire
extinguishers readily available.
Using technology: satellite-based fire
information tools such as AFIS provide real-time
fire information.
Investing in their own well-maintained fire
fighting equipment (such as a petrol/diesel-
powered water pumps).
Creating a veld fire plan, covering the
eventualities of both staying and defending their
property or leaving it ahead of the veld fire.
Restricting the use of farm machinery on days
when the fire danger is high.
Being extra careful when using welding, cutting
and grinding equipment.
Establishing firebreaks between their land and
roads or railways.
Training staff in firefighting techniques and
safety standards relating to smoking, burning
rubbish, etcetera.
Join a Fire Protection Association for
enhanced security – failure to do so will have
a court automatically assume you are guilty of
negligence in the event of a liability lawsuit.
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