By Thokozani Mazibuko
In a devastating turn of events, a fierce grass fire burnt down a structure at Mantenga Cultural Village on Sunday afternoon.
Mantenga is geographically located at Ezulwini, and it is a place where tourists and fun lovers visit to relax and enjoy one of Eswatini’s most treasured waterfalls.
According to sources, the wildfire only burnt down the structure where reservations were made.
Public Relations Officer at the Eswatini National Fire and Emergency Services (ENFRES), Mandla Dlamini confirmed the extent of the damage, highlighting the urgent need for vigilance and preparedness in the face of such natural disasters.
It should be noted that grass fires, like, the ones that ravaged Mdzimba, are not only destructive but also pose a significant threat to lives, properties, and the environment.
These fires can spread rapidly, propelled by strong winds and dry conditions, making them extremely challenging to contain.
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Hardly a week ago, the same incident occurred at Mdzimba whereby a raging grass fire also burnt down 10 rondavels belonging to a lodge.
It is worth mentioning that the incident serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by grass fires and the importance of taking proactive measures to prevent and mitigate their impact.
Wildfires can have a variety of negative effects, impacting our environment and our health. Learn more about the harmful outcomes of wildfire with guidance from the Western Fire Chiefs Association (WFCA).
According to the Public Relations Officer, wildfires can be very devastating and can cost the country and the private sector millions if not attended timely.
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Preparedness is key to averting the worst outcomes, but it is rare to avoid all negative effects.
For example, even if your home is thoroughly hardened against fire, you may still experience air pollution, health issues,
loss of surrounding property, a disruption in communications, water, or power, and other problems that wildfires cause.