Wildland fire-related fatalities in South Africa – A 1994 Casestudy and looking back at the year 2001

摘要

During 1994 a wildfire occurred in even-aged industrial plantations, in the Sabie district of the Mpumalanga Province of South Africa, which caused the death of ten fire fighters, while another eight were injured. In the history of South African Forestry, this was the highest number of fire fighters that died and were injured during a single plantation fire. The reasons for these fatalities can be attributed to a number of factors, which include (I) the occurrence of extreme spotting conditions, (ii) lack of escape routes, (iii) wrong or unclear fire fighting instructions and (iv) lack of training in basic fire fighting procedures and (v) vital safety measures not being applied. During the last decade, South Africa also experienced regular (almost yearly) fatalities as a result of motor accidents in thick smoke originating from wildfires. During recent years up to nine people died yearly as a result of these accidents, in smoke from uncontrolled or controlled fynbos or grassland fires. This paper will discuss methods to improve this serious situation by means of training of fire fighters (and prescribed burners) in smoke management, and by means of better co-operation with the Weather Bureau and other Government bodies, such as traffic control institutions. During the 4-6 September 2001 period, thirty-one fire-related fatalities were experienced in the northeastern part of South Africa. Twenty-three of these were civilians collecting grass for thatching in the Kruger National Park. They were trapped by an uncontrolled grassland wildfire in a temporary camp, where they stayed overnight. Seven civilians also lost their lives during fires elsewhere, and one fire fighter fatality was recorded at yet another wildfire site in the area. The lack of public awareness about the impact of serious wildfires is a major national shortcoming. However, the absence of a suitable disaster management plans - as well as proper assessment of wildfire situations – have also been identified as major stumbling blocks. The implementation of improved fire danger rating is also recommended, as most of the 2001 wildfires occurred within a very short (three-day) period, during which these extreme fire weather conditions were experienced. Effective early warning could also have avoided (or at least reduced) the high number of fatalities. It is recommended that the South African Government, in co-operation with private institutions, give urgent attention to the problem areas identified.