With winter once again looming, it brings along an increase in the spread of wildfires as South Africans prepare to stay warm during the decline in temperatures across the entire country. Each year, this has an enormous impact on the agricultural system in the country, as numerous crops and livestock are affected, and the safety of our farmers becomes a huge concern. The Agrinet exclusive Mamba high-pressure firefighting unit has been at the forefront when combating wildfires across the country.

According to the South African National Parks (SANParks), there were 135 wildfires recorded in their parks and reserves in 2021. These fires burned a total of 33,098 hectares of land, which is slightly higher than the average for the previous ten years and this was only in SANParks alone. This has a massive effect on the livelihood of millions of South Africans.

In 2023 Mamba wants to ensure that all retailers are well-informed and well-prepared to update clients on any dangerous situation, big or small. It’s been almost a year since Mamba, along with Agrinet, launched a tutorial video for the MAMBA MP Fire Fighter Powermaster Step Tank 600L. The tutorial video remains as important as ever for both you and your client. The video takes the viewer through a range of checklists, procedures, and important notes to prepare them for any challenge they might face this wildfire season.

• Pump checklist: How to track the oil levels and grease cups’ condition.
• Engine checklist: How to track the oil and fuel levels, as well as check the filter element.
• Tank/Pipes checklist: How to look for leaks in both the pipes and the tank.

Controlling and killing a wildfire is an important skill for any client, but knowing how to stop a wildfire from starting in the first place is just as important. Follow these tips below to predict and stop any wildfire from happening:

1. Creating firebreaks: Clearing vegetation around the perimeter of a property can help create a buffer zone that can slow or stop the spread of a wildfire.
2. Managing vegetation: Manage vegetation on a property by removing dead or dry plants and thinning out dense areas of vegetation to reduce the fuel available for a fire.
3. Educating staff and visitors: Educate staff and visitors about the dangers of wildfires and how to prevent them. This can include informing them of the risks of smoking, how to properly dispose of cigarettes and the importance of reporting any signs of fire immediately.
4. Monitoring weather conditions: Monitoring weather conditions can help anticipate when there is a higher risk of wildfires and take appropriate precautions. For example, during periods of high temperatures and low humidity, they may choose to suspend certain activities or limit the use of equipment that could spark a fire.
5. Having firefighting equipment available: Have firefighting equipment readily available, such as fire extinguishers, shovels, and water tanks. They should also have a clear plan in place for how to respond to a wildfire.
6. Implementing controlled burns: Controlled burns can help reduce the amount of dry fuel available for a wildfire to spread, as well as stimulate the growth of new vegetation. Work with local fire authorities to safely implement controlled burns.
7. Storing flammable materials properly: Any flammable materials, such as fuel or chemicals, should be stored in appropriate containers and away from potential sources of ignition, such as heat or sparks.

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