Veldfire Response – R36 Hasivuna.
Incident Date: 22 August 2026 Location: R36, Hasivuna area Incident Type: Veldfire Approximate Burned Area: ±200 hectares.
Initial Response:
At approximately 14:26 on 22 August 2026, Asterix The Long Firefighting Dog NPC – Fire & Emergency Support Service was dispatched to a large veld fire in the Hasivuna area on the R36.
Situation on Arrival:
On arrival, Asterix met with several other role-players as well as the property owner.
A size-up and fire assessment were conducted to evaluate the fire’s behaviour, direction of spread, hotspots and hazards.
At the time of assessment, the fire was burning relatively strongly in an uphill direction toward the responding teams.
Due to the density of the bush, direct access to the active fire edge was limited.
The main operational priorities were to protect:
A large mango farm,
A thatch-roof structure on the property.
The approximate area affected by the fire was estimated at around 200 hectares.
Actions Taken:
After assessing the fire behaviour, terrain and available access, a decision was made to implement a controlled backburn in order to remove the remaining vegetation between the teams and the advancing fire.
This tactical decision was made jointly by Asterix, Tzaneen EST and Mopani Fire Brigade, with the available weather conditions assessed as favourable for the planned burn.
The backburn was carried out successfully and performed according to plan.
This action helped stop the advancing fire and protect the threatened agricultural and structural exposures.
Cooperation:
This incident again demonstrated how effectively Asterix, Tzaneen EST and Mopani Fire Brigade can work together by combining knowledge, experience, expertise, manpower and equipment.
Asterix extends sincere appreciation to Tzaneen EST for their willingness to work alongside us. It is always a pleasure working with such a well-organised team, and incidents like this again show that when we work together, we win together.
Asterix also thanks Mopani Fire Brigade, the property owner, and all other role-players involved in the response.
Outcome:
By approximately 18:01, the fire was contained and the threatened areas were considered safe.
The combined efforts of the responding teams helped protect the mango farm and the thatch-roof structure, while the coordinated backburn prevented the fire from continuing through the inaccessible bush toward the identified exposures.
The approximate burned area was estimated at around 200 hectares.
Asterix returned to base at approximately 18:26.
Operational Commitment:
Distance Travelled: 30 km
Total Operational Time: 4 hours
Time from Dispatch to Containment: 3 hours 35 minutes
Approximate Burned Area: ±200 hectares
Join the Group:
Asterix Community Emergency Reporting – Greater Tzaneen & Letaba
https://chat.whatsapp.com/I8kj4N67kh4CHJqqSCTv0o?mode=gi_t
Emergency Reporting:
For an uncontrolled fire or other active emergency:
24/7 Emergency Line: 015 590 8911 - Please phone this number first.
Dispatch WhatsApp: 079 624 2809
When reporting a fire, provide the most accurate location possible and advise, where safely known, what is burning, whether the fire is spreading and whether homes, people, vegetation or other property are threatened.
AURA | iER | NAMOLA may also be used as additional emergency-reporting channels where appropriate.
Asterix The Long Firefighting Dog NPC
Fire & Emergency Support Service
