The Cape Winelands District Municipality (CWDM) warns residents of extreme heat over the following two days until Thursday (29 February).
Very hot temperatures and a Red Fire Danger warning for Cape Winelands and surroundings has been issued.
The South African weather services has predicted temperatures of higher than 40ºC for the next 48 hours.
In this heat, dehydration and sunstroke pose the greatest threats to humans. It is essential to stay hydrated, and wear hats or stay in shaded areas.
Make sure that all four-legged friends, including dogs, cats, horses and other farm animals have a shaded place and plenty of fresh water.
The extreme heat experienced today can contribute to the rapid spread of wildfires.
Residents should therefore be cognisant when making fires for cooking or other purposes.
Other activities that could potentially ignite a fire includes the careless discarding of cigarettes.
“Make sure that dry vegetation around houses and the walls bordering fields or open land are cleared,” the CWDM press release further stated.
Wildfires within the CWDM can be reported to 021 887 4446.
Domestic fires should be reported to the respective municipality’s fire services.
