It’s going to be another scorcher of a day in the Western Cape and especially in the Cape Winelands. A Red Alert Level 10 has been issued for the area, meaning there is a high possibility of veld fires.

Temperatures in Paarl are expected to reach a high of 37°C but the real feel could reach as high as 40°C. Luckily, there will be some reprieve from the heat on Friday and Saturday when temperatures drop to 23°C and 26°C respectively.

It is important to be extra careful where a Level 10 alert has been issued. Something as simple as throwing a lit cigarette stub out of a vehicle could ignite an uncontrollable blaze. If you come across any fires, please report it to 021 887 4446.

The Winelands Fire Protection warned of extreme temperatures.

Here are a few tips around fire safety from the South African Weather Report:

1. Do not create any open fires or leave fires unattended.

2. Do not throw cigarette butts out of cars or into the open veld areas.

3. Do not throw bottles in the veld as they can magnify the sun’s rays and start fires.

5. Prepare and maintain fire breaks in a controlled manner.

6. Never throw water into a fire started by an electrical fault or fires started by oil or paraffin lamps. In this case use sand or a blanket to smother the fire.

7. Be alert and listen to the radio or TV for warnings and obey the instructions form disaster management officers.

 

Picture: Pixabay

Article written by

Nidha Narrandes is a food-obsessed travel addict with 21 years of journalism experience. Her motto - Travel. Eat. Repeat. She is happiest on a road to nowhere without a plan. A masterchef at home, she can't do without chilli - because chilli makes the world a tastier place.