City of Tshwane on high alert as veld fires threaten lives and property

Mapabalo Borotho

Pretoria residents have been urged to remain on high alert as veld fires sweep across the city under extremely dangerous conditions.
The South African Weather Service issued a Red Fire Danger Index warning, cautioning that fires may spread rapidly and threaten lives and property.
The City of Tshwane has placed emergency teams on standby and urged residents to follow strict safety measures.

Pretoria residents have been urged to stay vigilant as veld fires continue to ravage parts of the city, posing a threat to both human and animal life.

The City of Tshwane issued a public alert on Monday after the South African Weather Service (SAWS) released a Red Fire Danger Index warning for extremely hazardous fire conditions across most parts of Gauteng.

Authorities warned that the fires, described as “extremely dangerous,” are expected to persist throughout Monday afternoon.

According to SAWS, the blazes may spread rapidly, causing extensive damage to property and endangering lives.

“Very hot and windy conditions may result in runaway veld or bush fires and could intensify existing fires across Gauteng, including Tshwane. Communities are urged to remain cautious and act swiftly at the first sign of smoke,” the City of Tshwane said in a statement.

Emergency teams have been placed on full standby, with residents encouraged to cooperate and observe strict safety measures. These include:

1. Never leaving children unattended near heaters, fires, or open flames.

2. Avoiding illegal electricity connections.

3. Not overloading electrical outlets or extension cords.

The City further stressed the importance of immediate response, urging that “every possible measure should be taken to bring any fire under control in the shortest possible time.”