MOSSEL BAY NEWS - A series of controlled burns are taking place on farms in the Mossel Bay area including Matjiesdrif, Bartelsfontein and Brandwag.

This is according to a notice issued by Mossel Bay Municipality.

According to a wildfire alert issued by the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) at 15:30 this afternoon, 23 September, its firefighters were deployed to a veld fire in Matjiesdrift earlier to support Mossel Bay Municipality in containing a permitted fire that briefly spread beyond control.

GRDM’s fire chief provided feedback about the incident, saying it had since been contained, and firefighters, together with farm workers, are conducting mopping-up operations.

If you spot a veld or wildfire, report it immediately to the GRDM Emergency Call Centre at 044 805 5071 or via WhatsApp at 081 709 5193.

The Mossel Bay Municipality said in its notice about the controlled burns that making firebreaks, where required and within the legislative framework, is the responsibility of the landowner whether it is state, private or municipal land.

“Mossel Bay Fire, Rescue and Disaster Management Service is responsible for issuing notices to landowners where fire breaks are required to be in place. Note that the landowner, whether it is state, private or municipal land, is responsible for preparing and distributing a notification of any work done to make a fire break.

“A burn permit is valid for 30 days, therefore, should the controlled burn not be completed on a particular day, the permit holder may continue as conditions allow during the time of the permit validity.” 

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