This comes after 40 000 hectares on 24 farms have been destroyed in veld fires this week. Farmers are asking for animal feed and any other donations, as there is no grazing fields left for the remaining animals that survived the blaze.

The fire started on Sunday in the Lady Grey area, and due to strong winds, it spread over the Witteberg Mountains towards Barkly East.

Members of the farmer’s association held a meeting on Thursday evening to discuss the damage the fire has caused. According to them, the current economic loss is to the value of R6.4 million.

More than a hundred sheep and several cattle have been burnt to death in the blaze. The number of dead game animals cannot be verified, however, many carcasses have been seen.

Disaster and fire manager of the Joe Gqabi district, Fiona Sephton, says over 600 people have been affected by the fires. No human lives have been lost.

“All landowners were aware of the high risk of veld fires during the week up to the incident. The winter season has been exceptionally dry, and therefore the fields are susceptible to burning due to low humidity,” says Sephton.

Sephton said that the area is very mountainous, which makes it very difficult to fight the fire as it has been spreading down various valleys. “Strong winds have flamed up the fire and roads and streams have provided no boundaries,” says Sephton.

According to a community member of Barkly East, Louise Venter, approximately 40 farmers and over 150 labourers were all working together this week to keep the fire from spreading even further.

“Agri Eastern Cape has assisted with sponsoring a helicopter to ferry workers up the mountains, however, due to gale force winds the helicopter was grounded as a safety precaution. Water bombing was not feasible as there was insufficient water available as the area is experiencing drought,” says Venter.

Venter also says the Barkly East Fire Protection Association and three ground crews from Working on Fire from the Lady Grey, Tsomo and Ugie area have been working around the clock since Sunday.

The fires continue to flare up and this requires constant monitoring. Most flare-ups are due to roots burning underground or dung that has been blown by the wind.

Farmers are asking for support from the public, if possible donations or animal feed.

Persons to contact: Piet Steyn - Fire Protection Officer for Barkly East 072-035-1630 or Bella Biedgt – 083-633-0417

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