BY MFANUFIKILE KHATHWANE
LOBAMBA – With winter approaching and the threat of devastating veld and house fires increasing across the country, the Eswatini National Fire, Rescue and Emergency Service launched a fire safety awareness drive at St. Mary’s Primary School aimed at equipping communities with life-saving knowledge.
The awareness session, held on May 15, 2026 before the school’s Open Day proceedings, focused on preparing pupils, teachers and parents for the dangers commonly associated with the winter season.
Training Station Officer Bheki D. Vilakati and Firefighter Bhekumusa J. Maseko from Lobamba Fire Station led the session, warning that dry winter conditions often result in runaway veld fires and an increase in structural fires.
The officers said many fires during winter were caused by unsafe heating methods, unattended imbawula braziers and faulty electrical heaters.
They cautioned that runaway fires originating in dry grasslands frequently spread rapidly to homes, schools and nearby communities, placing lives and property at risk.
During the session, learners and community members were taught fire prevention methods, emergency response procedures and the importance of handling heating appliances safely during cold weather.
The officers also urged communities to create firebreaks around their properties to reduce the spread of bushfires.
According to ENFRES, members of the public can work together with the Fire Service and the Ministry of Agriculture to establish protective firebreaks before winter conditions worsen.
The fire officers stressed that awareness and prevention remained among the strongest tools in reducing fire-related disasters during the cold season.
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(Featured Image: Courtesy of the Fergus Falls Fire Department)
