How to reduce the risk of wild fires

The recent fires raging in Somerset West, Western Cape, have highlighted the risk of wild fires and the significant damage they can cause. According to TimesLive news website, the damage from this recent fire is up to R60 million, making this is one of the larger fires in recent history. This has made it increasingly clear that there is a need to reduce the risks that lead to fires starting and has stressed the importance of having the right cover should a fire occur.

Carolyn Thompson, Head of Personal Lines at Mutual & Federal says, “We usually have a vast amount of dry biomass after the dry season, which makes the months thereafter, a high risk time for fires. The severe drought and strong winds in the Western Cape makes the risk even higher. During this time, it is even more important to take preventative measures and to be strict about activities that could start fires, such as smoking and camp fires.”

Fires can be extremely destructive to both property and life. However, by following these tips from Carolyn, you can reduce the risk of starting wild fires or minimise the damage they can cause.

Tips to reduce the risks of starting wild fires

1. Do not throw cigarette butts out of your car window
2. Be extremely vigilant and notify the authorities should you see any fire
3. Do not burn rubbish and garbage in the open
4. Do not start camp fires unless authorised
5. If you need to burn any garden refuse, start with a small pile and gradually add refuse as the fire burns down (large piles of burning refuse generate intense heat which could carry burning embers up and into other areas)
6. Always have water and safety tools (like a hose pipe, a rake and a shovel) handy while you burn your refuse
7. Avoid starting a fire on dry, windy days or when fire warnings are issued by the National Weather Service
8. Clear dry grass and weeds around your home and out-buildings as it could easily catch fire

Tips to minimise the damage of wild fires

1. Carry out mock fire drills, so that your family is aware of what is required if there is a fire in your home and have a fire-escape plan in place should a wild fire spread to your property
2. Keep fire extinguishers in easily accessible places and test your smoke alarms monthly
3. If a fire does spread to your home and there is smoke, stay low and get out of the house, call for help immediately and do not re-enter your home under any circumstances.

Thompson concludes, “Fires can be extremely destructive to both the environment and to your property. Therefore, it is so important to check and review your insurance policy annually, making sure that all your belongings are covered for fire damage. Preventative and protective measures such as outlined above will not only ensure your safety, but also give you the peace of mind to know that you are covered should a fire occur.”