GRAAFF-REINET NEWS — There was a great concern in Graaff-Reinet last Thursday evening when smoke and flames were seen near the Marjery Parkes TB hospital.

With the dreadful fires ablaze in the Knysna area, many residents were concerned about possible runaway fires near the town.

It was thought by some to have been a result of the municipality burning rubbish, but communications officer Leolynn Smith was quick to reassure the public that this was not the case.

“We are currently experiencing challenges with community members making wood fires within the Sundays River as well as in areas which they use as shortcuts to town due to the cold weather conditions,” said Smith.

“When these community members cannot get close to any trees to make use of the branches as a result of the river banks being overgrown with reeds, they then set the reeds on fire. We have first-hand knowledge that some members make their fires at the riverbank and without noticing, the burning pieces fall out of the burning fire drums and after a few minutes the reeds start burning.”

Based on the fact that most of these areas are not easily accessible, and that the region is experiencing shortages of water, Protection Services has decided to monitor the fires and let the reeds burn out as long as the fire burns within the river. Although they admit that this is not ideal, it is seen as the only way to clear the overgrown reeds.

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