Runaway fires in the Lady Grey area have caused damaged estimated so far at R6.4m.
The fire started on Sunday in the Lady Grey area and spread south over the Witteberg Mountain towards Barkly East.
Piet Steyn, the Fire Protection Officer for Barkly East, said in a statement that over 40 000 hectares have been burnt affecting at least 24 farms.
He said approximately 12 were totally burnt, meaning that there is no grazing left.
Steyn said building had been saved but stock losses were substantial and figures are still being verified.
Wild life losses cannot be verified however many carcasses have been seen. He said the livelihoods of 600 people have been affected so far but there had been no loss of human life.
“The Fire Danger Index has been in the Red, most dangerous band, for the past week and this means that it has been very dry and windy. All landowners were aware of the high risk of veld fire during the week up to the incident,” the statement said.
“The winter season has been exceptionally dry and so the veld is susceptible to burning due to low humidity.”
Steyn said that the area is very mountainous which makes it very difficult to fight as the fire has been spreading down various valleys and creating numerous fire fronts. “Strong winds have flamed the fire and roads and streams have provided no boundary.”
He said support has been provided by approximately 40 farmers and 160 of their labourers from the Barkly East Fire Protection Association as well as neighbouring farmers and their staff.
Also called into action was the Joe Gqabi District Municipality Fire Services, three ground crews from Working on Fire in Lady Grey, Tsomo and Ugie as well as the Eastern Cape Fire Protection Association.
“Those fighter the fires have worked around the clock since Sunday,” Steyn said.
He said Agri Eastern Cape assisted by sponsoring Spotter Plane support and the Joe Gqabi District Municipality assisted with funding some Helicopter support.
Steyn said two fronts of the fire are contained but are not safe yet.
“The fires continue to flare up and this requires constant monitoring. Most flare ups are due to roots burning underground or dung that has been blown by the wind.”
(Pics:Supplied)
