Staff Reporter
Veld fires that began last week in different parts of the Free State have destroyed an estimated 70 000 hectares of grazing land.
The Free State Department of Agriculture and Rural Development said in a statement the veld fires damaged game, livestock and buildings, amongst others.
The most affected farmers are in Thaba Nchu, Koffiefontein, Jacobsdal, Petrusburg, Fourismith, Kroonstad, Soutpan, Bultfontein, Bainsvlei and Edenburg.
In Tierpoort only it’s estimated that about 26 000 hectares of grazing land went up in smoke.
“Farmers are urged to continue with maintaining proper fire breaks,” said the department.
One farmer just outside Bloemfontein lost about 1 000 hectares of pasture and a total 100 livestock from the veld fires.
“According to the Free State Umbrella Fire Protection Association the wind speeds on farms were more than 70km per hour,” the department said, adding there is a possibility the winds could continue for another day or two.
Farmers organisation Free State Agriculture (FSA) has urged farmers to avoid starting fires as the strong winds may fuel them out of control.
“Keep firefighting resources and equipment ready to respond quickly and report all fires immediately,” said FSA.