In Namibia, we understand the cost of wildfires very well. Last year’s Etosha wildfire burned over a third of the 20,000 square km reserve in just a week, killing vast numbers of animals. In our dry winter weather, grass can catch alight all too easily, with both veld and farm fires rapidly burning out of control. Now is the season to stay alert for signs of smoke and take rapid action. On a Namibian farm, fire safety is essential.
Fire insurance is a smart move
Double-check that your current agriculture insurance also includes additional protection against fire. Often, agriculture policies exclude legal liability for the spread of fire, and this is something you should specifically request cover for.
Fire insurance isn’t one-size-fits-all. You’ll need to consider cover for fire damage to crops, assets, natural rangeland and pastures. While your own property - buildings, sheds, etc - will be covered under “material damage”, you should also have cover in case a fire spreads from your land onto neighbouring property.
To get the right level of protection, you should also check your asset insurance and consider the replacement costs of your buildings, contents, farm vehicles, or any other goods you’re concerned about. Working with a broker for your farm insurance can give you peace of mind that you're properly protected.
Farm fire prevention tips
Having the right cover in place is important - and so is staying alert during fire season. Follow our advice below so you can take action as soon as a fire starts.
- Keep up-to-date farm maps, showing roads and accessible water sources.
Learn to recognise the weather conditions associated with high fire danger: temperature, wind speed and direction, and humidity levels. - Restrict your use of farm machinery when the fire risk is high.
- Be extra careful when using welding, cutting and grinding equipment.
- If you have a thatched building, you’ll need to take extra precautions. Install drenchers, use fire blankets, and have fire extinguishers to hand.
- Use satellite-based fire information tools such as AFIS, or OroraTech Wildfire Solution. These are map-based tools that can also send alerts directly to your smartphone.
- Invest in your own well-maintained firefighting equipment, such as a petrol or diesel-powered water pump.
- Maintain firebreaks between your land and roads or railways. Only do this if you have valid fire permits.
- Train your staff in firefighting techniques and safety standards for smoking, burning rubbish, etc.
- Keep emergency numbers handy and report fires as soon as you’re aware.
- Create a veld fire plan that sets out what to do in various scenarios, including whether you stay and help defend your property or leave it ahead of time.
Fire safety for farmers
If a fire breaks out, follow the Namibian Agricultural Union’s detailed advice. They advise:
- Make sure there is someone who can open gates and grant access to firefighters.
- Wear cotton clothing rather than polyester when firefighting, to prevent burns.
- Spray yourself and your clothes with water before moving near a hot fire.
- Carry a torch or headlamp, as most fires are extinguished in the evening.
- Have enough water and salty food.
- Aftercare is extremely important. Walk down the fire line and extinguish all smoking and burning logs, and rake them into the burned area for a distance.
Santam’s Agri spread-of-fire cover
Santam gives you cover for fire extinguishing costs if your own property is threatened by fire - including for aerial water bombing. Under the Public Liability section, you’ll also be covered for damages arising from a fire that starts on your property and spreads to neighbouring farms.
Firefighting can be extremely costly, so it’s important you have the right cover in place and can protect yourself and your property. Your broker can help ensure you have the right products - or contact us directly.