Ballito firefighters commended for stamping out wildfires during heatwave
Gale-force winds made firefighting efforts dangerous and prevented electricity from being restored in the town.
Scorching heat and a south-wester buster combined to cause several large veld fires, threatening homes and knocking out electricity in many areas on Sunday.
Following the daytime heat of 33 degrees, the howling south-wester in the evening fanned fires at the Oaklands equestrian estate in Umhlali and Simbithi Eco-Estate.
Ballito’s power was off for most of the day after power lines were damaged near Driefontein and conditions made repair work difficult. Some areas were still without power come Monday night.
Salt Rock Councillor Privi Makhan reported that two areas in Salt Rock’s ward 22, Umhlali and the N2 near Foxhill, were affected by veld fires.
“The fires were contained by the KwaDukuza fire department with support from local businesses, and their efforts were commendable,” she said.
In Umhlali, the fire on Oaklands equestrian estate raged close to the paddocks and the polo field. The combined efforts of staff and farmers kept the fire at bay. Simbithi Eco-Estate also faced a smaller fire.
“There was a minor fire inside our estate which our security team attended to. A larger fire on the north-western boundary, outside Simbithi, was handled by the KwaDukuza fire services,” a Simbithi spokesperson said.
The Duck and Dive Pub & Grill in Umhlali narrowly avoided damage. The restaurant reported that the wind suddenly changed direction, causing the fire to jump to their front area. Fortunately, the fire was contained.
The thinly stretched KwaDukuza Fire and Emergency Services Ballito seven-member team had their work cut out for them.
Station officer Ashene Mohanlal said: “We were prepared, but it took a toll on the team because we were not only responding to fires but to other incidents as well.”
No casualties were reported.
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