Niël Terblanché
The Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU) is warning farmers to prepare urgently for the upcoming wildfire season.
Much of the country has seen its best rainfall in years after a long drought. While the rains have revived pastures and fed livestock, they have also created large amounts of dry vegetation that could fuel fires.
“Firefighting should now be urgently considered. There is already an abundance of flammable material this year,” the NAU said in its weekly newsletter on Friday.
The union plans to publish a series of articles in its newsletter to help farmers manage the risks of veld fires.
These will offer different strategies for preventing and fighting fires, knowing that some methods will not suit every area.
Farmers are encouraged to create and maintain firebreaks, use two-way radios for communication, and keep water sources and firefighting equipment such as tanks, pumps, and extinguishers ready.
They should clear border roads and ensure all equipment is working and easily accessible, including water carts, spare tires, axes, and wire cutters.
The NAU advises making firebreaks during cooler evenings when winds are calmer and cooperating with neighbours and local fire protection associations.
“In the event of a fire, landowners are required to alert neighbouring properties and the relevant fire associations without delay,” the union said.
The union said all farm workers should be trained in basic fire safety and equipped with personal protective gear, adding that matches should be carried as a last resort to create a safe burn zone if trapped by fire.
The union stresses that no fire-related activities should be done without the proper permits.
“An owner may not make a firebreak without a fire permit, nor during times when weather conditions are conducive to wildfires,” the NAU said.
Farmers should design their properties to allow fire trucks, about four meters high, to pass safely under trees and utility lines. Someone should be on hand to open gates and switch off electric fences during emergencies.
The NAU advises reducing fire risk around buildings by cutting grass, removing dry plant material, and creating a buffer zone of at least 20 metres around structures.
“Any prescribed burning to reduce combustible material must also be done under permit and in consultation with the local fire association,” the union said.
The NAU told its members that the time to act is now.
