Farmers Weekly – Free State faces a difficult 2023 veld fire season (farmersweekly.co.za)

The 2023 veld fire season could potentially develop into one of the most problematic fire seasons in recent memory. According to a statement issued by the Free State Umbrella Fire Protection Association (FSUFPA), one of the reasons for this was the abundant rain during the past three summers that resulted in a very high moribund biomass fuel load.

According to the statement, the likelihood of an El Niño weather pattern in the Southern Hemisphere was extremely likely.

El Niño was associated with hot, dry conditions. The possibility of above normal temperatures during the coming winter, spring and in early summer coupled with high fuel levels was a cause for concern that needed to be managed as effectively as possible.

The FSUFPA warned that veld fires were not limited to farms and rural areas and occurred in peri-urban areas too. Properties situated in peri-urban areas and so-called green zones, as well as conservancies bordering on urban areas, were also at risk of veld fires.

Read the full article on – Farmers Weekly – Free State faces a difficult 2023 veld fire season (farmersweekly.co.za)