FIRE STATISTICS FOR 2019

Thabazimbi – The Thabazimbi Fire Protection Association (TPFA) had a very busy fire season during 2019. According to the TPFA’s records, the following fires were reported between May and November 2019:

• 29 May – Raphuti, fire was caused by lightning, 2ha lost.
• 12 June – Raphuti, the cause of the fire is unknown, 2ha lost. 
• 11 July – Kromdraai, fire crossed the border, 4ha lost. 
• 18 July – Raphuti, the cause of the fire is unknown, 2ha lost.
• 8 August – Leeupoort, fire crossed the border, 5ha lost.
• 11 September – Leeupoort, the cause of the fire is unknown, 200ha lost.
• 8 October – Rooiberg, fire was caused by a slasher, 400ha lost.
• 8 October – Rooiberg, fire jumped from the neighbouring Mabula Reserve, 70ha lost.
• 14 October – Koedoeskop, fire was caused by lightning, 1400ha lost.
• 15 October – Rooiberg, fire was caused by lightning, 55ha lost.
• 16 October – Leeupoort, fire was caused by lightning, 50ha lost.
• 18 October – Leeupoort, fire was caused by lightning, 1000ha lost.
• 23 October – Rooiberg, caused by tractor slasher, 1000ha lost, one house burnt down and three animals died.
• 12 November – Lumarie Leeupoort, fire was caused by lightning, 100ha lost.
• Additional fires that were reported:
• The Sentrum area lost 3ha due to a welding machine spark.
• Kromdraai also lost 50ha due to burning rubbish as well as 60ha due to a fire that jumped from the North West border.
• Koedoeskop was hit hard when the area lost 5,300ha because of arson. 
• Kwaggasvlakte lost 400ha due to an owner burning his rubbish.
• Rooiberg lost 4500ha because of a burning vehicle.
• Sptiskop and Leadwood lost 3ha and 30ha respectively, however the cause for these fires are still unknown.

* Please note: this was the information available at the time of going to print.