Fire blazes through woodchip company. Image: Christo Botha
FIRE tears through Richards Bay wood company
Fire fighters in Richards Bay are trying to contain a blaze at a wood company. It is expected to continue until early next week.
Fire blazes through woodchip company. Image: Christo Botha
Raging high temperatures is high on the suspect list as the cause of a fire that tore through one of the largest woodchip businesses in KwaZulu-Natal on Saturday.
INFERNO IN RICHARDS BAY
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The blaze is said to have started at the conveyor belt NCT Woodchip Mill. The conveyor belt is said to be used for the storage of wooden chips.
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According to the City of uMhlathuze, emergency services received an urgent call regarding a fire incident near NCT which lies adjacent to FOSCOR, which handles wood-related materials.
By the time emergency services had reached the scene the fire had already engulfed the wooden chip stockpiles.
As the fire raged on, the City’s fire department received assistance from Mondi Fire Services, Transnet Fire Services, South 32, RBM, and other private companies to battle the inferno.
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WEATHER PLAYS ITS PART
Unfortunately for firefighters, strong winds carried some hot wood chips across the highway, igniting the green belt opposite the highway and the neighbouring residential.
The fire was quickly taken care of before any property damage could occur.
City of uMhlathuze Mayor Xolani Ngwezi thanked everyone involved to keep the fire contained.
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“Gratitude is extended to the dedication and support demonstrated by everyone, including industries, the Community Policing Forum (CPF), and individuals who worked tirelessly under extreme conditions to control and contain the fire. We urge the community to remain at home, stay vigilant, and report any signs of fire to the fire services,” says Ngwezi.
The fire is expected to continue raging until at least Tuesday.
