Photo: Arrive Alive
Photo: Arrive Alive
We’re glad to report that this is not a case of arsonists sharing their plans in advance. Instead, the plan to set fire to a major road running through Bloemfontein on Wednesday is purely strategic – and very safe.
Bloemfontein road will be subject to ‘controlled burn’
Local agricultural teams will purposefully torch a stretch of the R706, just a few kilometres outside of Bloemfontein. The Mangaung Municipality has confirmed that the controlled burn will extend to around 2km, all under the watchful eye of MAFPA members.
The operation isn’t without its risks, but those dangers are always tightly monitored by specialist workers. So, why is the R706 being set on fire? There’s a very basic, and somewhat reassuring method behind the so-called madness.
Why is the R706 being purposefully ignited?
The municipality is creating a strategic fire break for the road, as detailed in their recent fire management plan. The blaze will run the length of the hard shoulder, from the outskirts of Welvaart to the outer limits of Louriepark.
Firebreaks and Safety from Fire in Rural and Farming Areas https://t.co/4sabw9hGly #ArriveAlive #Firebreaks @BurnshieldZA @wo_fire @vwsfires @AgriSA1904 @vslandbou pic.twitter.com/HDuSsqPa57
— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) July 20, 2022
Safety first in Bloemfontein firebreak
MAFPA issued a statement on the process earlier today, confirming that a number of flagmen will alert road users to the controlled burn. The process is already underway, and minimal disruption is expected on the R706
“MAFPA members will be conducting a controlled burn on the R706 Jagersfontein Road, which is about 2km – 4km from the town. A total of 2km of the road shoulder will be burnt, for a strategic fire break, as per our fire management plan.”
“Signage and flagmen are on site, and it will be their job to alert road users to the situation. The burn team is staging the fire from 9:00 at the location provided. We thank you for your co-operation.”
MAFPA statement
Controlled Burn on R706 https://t.co/i0aJxrtCwF #ArriveAlive #VeldFire @BFN_EMS @hgroenewald1985 pic.twitter.com/ZSZpebaJ3U
— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) July 20, 2022
