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24 JULY 2019

Media statement

MAKANA FIRE FIGHTERS MANAGE TO CONTROL VELD FIRE

Makana Municipality Fire Department responded to a fire reported to have started near the Industrial area in the afternoon of 23 July 2019. The fire was caused by an electrical overhead conductor that snapped during the strong winds. Due to the wind fanning the fire it quickly spread through the bushveld. There was no damage reported and all properties within the affected area were protected from the fire.

Due to the thick smoke coming from the fire, students had to be evacuated from classes to smoke free areas. Fortunately traffic on the N2 was not affected as the fire was burning away from the road at the commonages.

The municipality would like to express its gratitude to all the institutions that have assisted during this time ie. DSG for providing the LDV with skid unit, Rhodes University for assisting with tanker and personnel and St Andrews College for supplying a tractor and a water trailer. All institutions provided with personnel to assist Makana Fire fighters who worked tirelessly to extinguish the fire.

With the assistance from all the people who volunteered their time, the fire was declared under control at about 21h00 with a lot of hotspots and tree stumps still burning in the burnt-out areas. The area was monitored throughout the night to avoid any flare-ups.

Isssued by the Makana Communications Office.