The Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) in Mpumalanga has distributed fire relief material ahead of the winter season to municipalities prone to outbreak of fires. The material include tents, mattresses and gel stoves and will be provided to municipalities such as Dr Pixley Ka Isaka Seme, Lekwa, Msukaligwa, Govan Mbeki and eMakhazeni during emergency cases.
The distribution of the relief material is part of the Department’s disaster management plan in preparation of the winter season, and affirms the commitment to prevent fatalities caused by fires in winter. “The relief material is a statement of commitment from our side to support our communities in emergency cases. We have limited financial constraints and as such priority will be given to municipalities prone to fire outbreaks in winter,” MEC for Cogta, Mr Speed Mashilo said.
Mr Mashilo says the Department, working with municipal disaster management units and fire fighting organizations is educating communities on how to prevent fires as a measure to prevent fatalities during the winter season. He urged communities to take fire precautionary measures in this regard, such as:
- Not leaving unattended fire braziers with children,
- Not leaving open fires unattended in the forests,
- Not throwing cigarette butts,
- Clearing rubble at least 10-20 metres around in the properties as this may comprise burning materials such as leaves and wood piles.
- Marking streets for easy access by the Fire Services.
The Department urges communities to call the Disaster Toll free number to report emergencies. The number is: 0800 202 507.
Ends.
Issued by Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs
Contact Person: Mr George Mthethwa
Contacts: 013 766 6572 / 083 302 2774
E-mail: gpmthethwa@mpg.gov.za
Twitter: @cogtamp
Facebook: @mpucogta