Veldfire at Bloemfontein reaches Langenhoven Park, engulfs lapa and house

Photo: Maxim Tajer


The fire that damaged a house in Langenhoven Park, Bloemfontein, this afternoon started as a veldfire.

Fanned by the wind, the fire that had started in the Spitskop area jumped across the road and reached a house in Swartberg Avenue, where it engulfed a grass lapa – and soon after, the house on the premises. 

No one is reported to have died, although cases of smoke inhalation were treated.

A video of the blaze was shared widely on social media, showing firefighters battling raging flames and smoke billowing out from part of the roof of the house. 

The public have been reminded that fire season has started, with extremely dry grass conditions and strong winds contributing to the risk of veldfires.

This is a developing story. Keep an eye on BloemExpress for more.

fire

A fire fighter on the scene of the house fire in Swartberg Avenue. The lapa at the house caugth fire, and the house was engulfed shortly thereafter, when a veldfire reached Langenhoven Park from the Spitskop area. Photo: Supplied
fire

The remains of the house in Swartberg Avenue, Langenhoven Park, that was engulfed by what had started as a veldfire on Thursday afternoon. Photo: Supplied

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