A blaze at Sonnestraal Farm in Olieboom Road, Philippi, which had blanketed several suburbs in smoke, was still raging after four days, with firefighting efforts expected to continue for several more days.
Ward councillor Elton Jansen confirmed two helicopters had been ordered to assist with firefighting efforts, scooping water from the nearby Zeekoevlei.
Complex firefighting operation underway
The fire has proven extremely complicated to extinguish as it involves smoldering mulch that must be removed with digger loaders and front-end loaders before firefighters can reach the fire burning underneath, which is creating unbearable smoke.
“The City’s Fire and Rescue teams are looking at all possibilities but informed me this fire will continue for a couple of days,” Jansen said in the latest update on his WhatsApp channel.
ALSO READ: WATCH | Choppers called in to douse massive compost fire
The fire broke out at approximately 11:40 on Saturday 7 March, with several crews battling the flames that ignited massive heaps of mulch material, according to Jermaine Carelse, spokesperson for Fire and Rescue.
Round-the-clock collaborative effort
Jansen witnessed firefighters and the farm owner working together round the clock to try and extinguish the blaze, with the owner also operating a digger loader as part of the firefighting efforts.
On Saturday TygerBurger saw huge billows of smoke from the blaze visible from surrounding suburbs of Strandfontein, Grassy Park, Ottery, Westridge and Philippi, while a smoky haze settled over the area affecting residents up to 15 km away.
Strong winds hamper efforts
Carelse said the blaze was exacerbated by strong winds over the weekend, which fanned the flames and caused smoke to travel in various directions.
“The actual fire is in the centre of the heap and is creating loads of smoke, which is travelling in different directions depending on the wind direction.”
Emergency measures in place
Residents experiencing emergencies as a result of the smoke are encouraged to call emergency services on 021 480 7700.
The City was expected to release a formal media statement regarding the ongoing situation. Air-quality monitoring had been arranged to assess the impact of the smoke on surrounding areas.
You must be logged in to post a comment.