The Ministry of Justice and Security is calling on the public to exercise extra caution with fire, particularly in October and November. The warning follows a sharp increase in grass fires, while the fire service is facing a shortage of deployable personnel and equipment.
According to a notice, persistent heat, high temperatures and dry conditions increase the risk of fires starting and spreading rapidly. The ministry also cites the influence of the El Niño phenomenon.
In recent times, grass fires have in several cases spread to homes and other buildings. As a result, the fire service regularly has to respond at several locations almost simultaneously.
Defective fire engines
A number of fire engines are defective or no longer deployable. The ministry has made financial resources available for the repair of vehicles that can still be restored. The required parts are being imported from abroad. Work is also under way to procure additional fire engines to increase operational capacity.
In the event of multiple simultaneous fire reports, the fire service determines its deployment based on the severity of the situation and the risk. House fires and situations in which lives are in danger take priority over grass fires. The ministry emphasises that grass fires also pose a serious risk, as they can spread rapidly in dry and windy conditions.
Avoid open-air burning
The public is urgently asked not to burn waste, grass or other materials in the open air. The ministry also advises removing combustible materials from the immediate vicinity of homes and other buildings.
The situation in Ornamibo is receiving special attention after another fire broke out there within a short period of time. The ministry is working with the Ministry of Public Works and Spatial Planning and Public Greenery on measures to limit the fire risk. The notice does not state what measures will be taken.
Minister Harish Monorath expressed his appreciation for fire service personnel, who continue to work for the safety of society despite limited resources and high workloads. The ministry emphasises that fire prevention is a shared responsibility and asks everyone to handle fire responsibly.
