Two fire incidents at rest camps in Kruger National Park
No injuries were reported in the incidents, but the occupants lost their belongings.
Two fire incidents occurred at two rest camps in the Kruger National Park (KNP).
On the night of Monday October 14, three units of the Olifants Rest Camp caught fire, requiring the units to be evacuated.
The head of communication of SANParks, JP Louw, said in a statement that the fires were contained, although it was impossible to save or remove the belongings of the guests.
ALSO READ: Building in Rocky Drift burns down
He said the affected guests were relocated to other rest camps.
In a separate incident, the thatched roof of a bungalow at Satara Rest Camp recently caught fire as a result of an unattended braai. The fire was extinguished with minimal damage to the structure as well as personal belongings of the occupants.
Louw said no one was injured in either incident.
SANParks has appealed to their guests to take extra precautions and not leave any fires unattended, especially with the ongoing heatwave and windy weather.
ALSO READ: Flights on schedule at Skukuza Airport after thatch roof catches fire
“The park is experiencing hot, windy and dry weather conditions and visitors are urged to extinguish braai fires immediately after utilisation for purposes such as cooking of food. This will greatly minimise the possible risk of fire with its consequent damage to structures and the environment.
“SANParks extends its gratitude to the emergency response teams, rangers and the Phalaborwa Fire Brigade for their speedy response and assistance that diligently rescued the situation,” Louw said.
