Veld fires threaten highway homes
An out-of-control veld fire did some considerable damage to homes near the M7.
Stockville Road house gutted by fire
WHAT started as a veld fire along the M7 on Thursday morning turned perilous when it spread into nearby residents’ gardens.
Two houses on Norman Road, which is just above the highway, were affected after their gardens and an entertainment areas caught alight.
“I was leaving for court at 8.30am when I noticed the fire along the highway. I immediately notified fire department in Pinetown as I noticed that the weather was dry and windy so it was clear that the fire was going to spread quickly and easily, “said Judy Reddy whose entertainment area was destroyed in the fire.
Thirty minutes later and no still no fire truck in sight Judy made a second call.
“The fire was spreading quickly and because so many houses are near the highway I was highly concerned and so I made a second call.
“This time I took down the call operators name who in turn advised me that a team would be sent out in less than 30 minutes and that someone from the task team would call me.
“I received no call so I took matters into my own hands and called a friend who is a senior in the Durban South fire department, only then was a truck sent out, but it was too little too late,” said a visibly emotional Judy.
Judy’s double storey entertainment area that had a thatched roof was burnt down to the ground along with all it’s contents, “it was fully furnished and boasted a pool table, darts, a table and chairs, just to mention a few things.”
Judy and her husband will be taking the matter up further as they feel the Fire Department was negligent in their response time.
