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26 July 2024
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Tzaneen covered in smoke as fires burn in Magoebaskloof, George’s Valley and Wolkberg Reserve, Limpopo
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The Mopani District Disaster Management team, Mopani District Municipality Fire Department and the Letaba Fire Protection Association (LFPA) were fighting veldfires in Magoebaskloof and George's Valley in Limpopo that flared up over the weekend of 6 and 7 July 2024. The strong winds on Monday, 8 July 2024, fuelled the fires and unverified reports state that one house in Magoebaskloof caught fire and that more homes were threatened.
The Letaba Fire Protection Association, along with Mopani District Municipality Fire Department, corporate and private farmers and local residents, came together to fight the fires and provide crucial support to those on the frontlines.
Kishugu aerial resources were deployed at first light while firefighters fought the fires throughout the night in severe weather conditions.
Around 400 hectares of plantation, orchards etc were burnt.
The community has rallied to deliver water and food relief to exhausted volunteers and firefighters who are tirelessly combating the fires.
The causes of the fires are not known at the moment. Mopani District Municipality spokesperson Odas Ngobeni said that there were three fire spots the firefighters were trying to control. “The wind is blowing towards Tzaneen town from George’s Valley and residents and motorists are warned to drive cautiously in case the fire spreads,” he said. So far no injuries or loss of life have been reported.
Agri Letaba assisted by coordinating care packages for the firefighters and volunteers fighting the fires around Tzaneen.
Sources: Letaba Herald, Tzaneen Voice
The Letaba Fire Protection Association, along with Mopani District Municipality Fire Department, corporate and private farmers and local residents, came together to fight the fires and provide crucial support to those on the frontlines.
Kishugu aerial resources were deployed at first light while firefighters fought the fires throughout the night in severe weather conditions.
Around 400 hectares of plantation, orchards etc were burnt.
The community has rallied to deliver water and food relief to exhausted volunteers and firefighters who are tirelessly combating the fires.
The causes of the fires are not known at the moment. Mopani District Municipality spokesperson Odas Ngobeni said that there were three fire spots the firefighters were trying to control. “The wind is blowing towards Tzaneen town from George’s Valley and residents and motorists are warned to drive cautiously in case the fire spreads,” he said. So far no injuries or loss of life have been reported.
Agri Letaba assisted by coordinating care packages for the firefighters and volunteers fighting the fires around Tzaneen.
Sources: Letaba Herald, Tzaneen Voice
