While wildfires are spreading across the country, causing extensive damage and loss of lives, fortunately no lives have been lost locally.

Last weekend, homes in Maelula and were endangered but thanks to the firefighting crews only one house was scorched by the heat but not burnt down. An old unroadworthy vehicle was burnt out. The business premises of Kubudu and Sons at Maelula were one of the premises approached by the wildfire, but suffered no damage. Maelula is situated about 25km east of Louis Trichardt on the Witvlag road.

The fire broke out around 01:45 on July 28 and was brought under control at about 05:00.

Firefighters of the Zoutpansberg Fire Association, Stevens, Stevens Lumber Mills, Mondi Forests and PAW products toiled to bring the wildfire under control.

Working on Fire is hosting fire awareness campaigns in the area. WoF, an organization supplying firefighting services to the forestry industry, gave a few quotes that make one think:

* All fires start small

* It takes over 100 people to stop a wildfire. It takes one stupid moment to start it.

*Over 90% of fires are started by human negligence.

* It takes 300 000 litres of water to extinguish one wildfire.

It is important to remember that, according to the Veld and Forest Act, it is a first-category offence for any person to light, use or maintain a fire in the open air when a fire prohibition has been declared. Any owner, occupier or person in control of land on which a fire occurs should take steps to extinguish the fire or to confine it to that land or to prevent it from causing damage to property on adjoining land. It is a second-category offence when a person in the open air leaves a fire unattended which he or she lit, used or maintained before that fire is extinguished.

No person should throw, put down or drop a burning match or cigarette or smoke where smoking is prohibited.

It is important to keep grass short around the house or cottage and shed.

Firebreaks should be prepared and maintained. It should be noted that no burning of firebreaks or grazing camps or rubbish dumps should take place from Friday to Monday or on public holidays or long weekends. No burning is allowed if the Fire Danger Index is in the Yellow.