The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) recently placed disaster management teams on high alert after severe winds played a part in fuelling a monstrous fire, which damaged business properties in uThukela.
Members of the Fire Department from Alfred Duma Municipality spent hours tirelessly fighting fires as strong, gushing winds fanned the flames. Businesses along Illing Road had to be evacuated as the raging fire was being swept into the back sections of three premises.
Flames reaching several metres in height could be seen licking at the roofs of the businesses as workers and business owners armed themselves with hoses, buckets of water and fire extinguishers in an attempt to stop the fire from spreading onto their properties.
“It was like something from a disaster movie. People were running and screaming, while firefighters and workers worked together to put out the flames,” said a bystander.
Smoke filled the air as firefighters battled the blaze, however, their water supply from the responding fire engines soon ran out and firefighters had to search along the busy streets to find a working fire hydrant as most of Ladysmith’s hydrants have been stolen or are non-functional.
“One of the firefighters managed to find a working hydrant and within minutes, had the water rushing into the engine to put out the rest of the fire,” said another witness.
A business owner, who asked to remain anonymous, said that he wants to thank everyone for helping out during the ordeal.
“It was incredibly difficult to witness the flames getting dangerously close to my business. Yes, the fire did damage parts of my businesses but with the help of my neighbouring business owners and the Fire Department, the main shop did not suffer any damage,” said the business owner.
CoGTA in KZN urged residents in the districts of Ugu, uMgungundlovu, uThukela, Amajuba, Zululand, King Cetshwayo, and iLembe to exercise the utmost caution and prepare for the inclement weather conditions.
“The strong winds, coupled with high temperatures, have created ideal conditions for runaway fires. Residents are warned about the dangers posed by these fires and are urged to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves and their properties,” said Senzelwe Mzila from the department.
