Zille outlines plan to combat WC fires in future

7 November 2018 6:03 PM

Western Cape Premier Helen Zille says clearing alien vegetation is part of the long-term strategy to fight against major fires such as the Southern Cape blaze.

The Southern Cape fires have burnt through 91 000 hectares and claimed the lives of eight people.

Read: Zille: It was absolutely devastating to see the damage caused by the fire

Zille adds that clean firebreaks and the management of the Department of Agriculture's pine plantations are also vital factors.

The premier says the efficiency and mobilisation of intergovernmental resources plays an important role in managing such disasters.

Also read: Southern Cape fires four times bigger than Knysna blaze - Working On Fire

We are doing a lot of long-term planning, but it is highly complex in areas where there is a lot of dryness and a lot of lightning activity.
— Helen Zille, Western Cape Premier

It's very difficult to do long-term planning for what happens in the mountains and when the winds are raging, the fires spread at a very great speed.
— Helen Zille, Western Cape Premier

I have been in contact with the National Department of Forestry to say that they have to keep their firebreaks clean.
— Helen Zille, Western Cape Premier

We also need to get rid of the alien vegetation, that burns at a tremendous speed.
— Helen Zille, Western Cape Premier

Listen to the fortnightly conversation with Helen Zille on The John Maytham Show:

Written by: Qama Qukula

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