UPDATE: Fires still raging in Kaapsehoop area
Firefighters worked throughout the night and managed to contain fires around Barberton and Bushbuckridge; but they are still battling to extinguish the fires in the Kaapsehoop area.
Teams of firefighters managed to contain the veld and plantation fires in the Barberton and Bushbuckridge areas last night, July 5, while the blazes around Kaapsehoop have still not been contained.
The Lowveld and Escarpment Fire Protection Association (Lefpa), landowners, and forestry companies, together with Mbombela Fire and Rescue and Working on Fire, worked throughout the night to extinguish the fires.
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According to André Scheepers, manager of Lefpa, fires around Kaapsehoop have not been contained and firefighters are still trying to extinguish them. Additional resources were drawn in from Warburton first thing this morning, to put in a huge effort before the wind picks up and weather conditions change.
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“At the Kaapsehoop area, fires are still out of control. All escarpment aerial resources and two 802 Air Tractors from Warburton were called in to assist,” he said.
Scheepers warned the public to avoid the Kaapsehoop area.
Report any fires on 0860 66 3473.
