Proactive firefighting and key preventative measures
Many farmers have welcomed good rainfall this season, with pastures improving and livestock benefiting from increased grazing.
However, the Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU) warns that the abundance of vegetation has also increased the risk of veld fires and urges farmers to prioritise fire preparedness.
The union has compiled a range of firefighting guidelines, noting that conditions vary by region and not all measures will apply in every case.
Farmers are encouraged to consider the following:
Mapping and infrastructure: Maintain updated farm maps indicating roads and water sources. Ensure water points and dams are accessible to heavy vehicles during emergencies.
Road maintenance: Clear boundary roads and firebreaks. Farmers are advised to cut grass along road reserves proactively, but to obtain permission from the Roads Authority beforehand.
Communication: Establish reliable communication systems. Two-way radios and participation in local farmers’ radio networks are recommended in case of mobile network failure.
Firebreaks: Prepare firebreaks before vegetation dries out. If the grass is already dry, ensure firefighting equipment is available when cutting. Firebreaks should preferably be created in the evening when conditions are cooler and winds are lighter.
Community coordination: Inform neighbours and local fire protection associations before starting firebreak activities. Participation in these groups helps improve resource sharing and response times.
Equipment readiness: Ensure water carts, pumps and hoses are in working order. Vehicles should be equipped with essential tools such as spare wheels and recovery equipment.
Safety equipment: Vehicles should carry basic tools including axes, shovels and wire cutters for emergency situations, including evacuation of livestock.
Training and personnel: Workers should be trained in firefighting and equipped with appropriate protective gear. A responsible person should be designated to coordinate response efforts when needed.
Safety zones: Create cleared areas around infrastructure such as feed troughs. Dividing farms into sections with wide firebreaks can help contain fires.
Access: Ensure gates can be opened quickly and that routes are accessible to emergency responders, with adequate clearance for vehicles.
Defensible space: Maintain a cleared buffer of at least 20 metres around buildings. Remove vegetation that could allow fire to spread towards structures.
Fire behaviour awareness: Strong winds can cause fires to jump significant distances, making containment more difficult.
Hot work precautions: Exercise caution when using machinery such as grinders and welders near dry grass. Keep extinguishing equipment nearby and avoid working alone.
Vehicle safety: Regularly clear dry grass from vehicles, particularly around exhaust systems, to reduce the risk of ignition. Avoid parking in tall, dry grass.
Protective clothing: Wear non-synthetic clothing such as cotton when fighting fires, as synthetic materials can melt and cause severe burns.
Terrain risks: Avoid fighting fires in low-lying areas where smoke and gases can accumulate.
Emergency response: If a fire becomes unmanageable, reassess the situation and prioritise safety over containment efforts.
- The NAU emphasised that effective fire management depends on preparation, coordination and awareness of local conditions.
