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Flames engulf plot houses in Mbombela

According to the farm owner, the fire originated from the strip of bush that was burning next to a church.

A fire burnt down two houses situated on a plot next to Church Unlimted Mbombela along the R40 towards Barberton on Friday afternoon July 12.

ALSO READ: Smoke pollution hits Mbombela as fires rage across Lowveld and Highveld regions

According to the owner of the farm, who also resides on the plot, Arthur Volbrecht, the fire spread from a burning strip of bush close by.

The fire is seen burning inside the house.

“I noticed burning bush on the edge of the church’s fence just after 00:00. I then notified the residents to be vigilant. The entry of the houses had a wooden fence, which ignited the fire of the houses. The blowing wind only worsened the situation. The residents who live in the two homes have lost all their belongings. They could not save anything but themselves. One of them had a solar system worth R90 000 and it is all gone now,” he said.

Volbrecht said they managed to extinguish the fire with water from his pool until the fire department attended to the scene at about 04:00.

ALSO READ: Veld fires wreak havoc in Mashishing and surrounds

“We are trying to help the residents in whatever way we can and restore the power supply to the neighbouring houses,” he said.

ALSO READ: Fires in the Lowveld to rage into the night, says Lefpa

The affected residents were not available for comment when Lowvelder visited the scene.

*Lowvelder previously reported that the broke out on midnight Saturday July 13. However, it has come to light that the fire broke out on Friday afternoon, July 12.

@lowvelder

Sappi joined the effort to quell the fires that have struck the Lowveld region, and got to work in the surrounding area around the Sappi Ngodwana plant. > Video: Supplied #sappi #ngodwana #fires #mpumalangatiktok #lowvelder #lowveldmedia

♬ original sound – Lowveld Media

@lowvelder

Fire at East Africa Safaris People partaking in a fishing competition hosted at East Africa Safaris were shocked to return to the lodge after a day at sea and find their accommodation up in flames.

♬ original sound – Lowveld Media

@lowvelder

FIRE UPDATE: The Kaapsehoop fires have been contained after all resources were stretched to the limit to extinguish them. Patrols are planned during the night as weather conditions will be favourable for fires during the next few days. Lefpa urges all landowners to take care and act fast with all possible resources should a fire occur. LEFPA Report fires on 0860 66 3473. > Video:Santie van der Westhuizen #kaapsehoop #firefighter #mbombela

♬ original sound – Lowveld Media

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