DURBANITES have woken up on Saturday morning to find that the horrendous fire which has consumed a massive warehouse in South Coast Road, is still raging. Firemen and emergency services battled throughout the night to contain the fire.
The warehouse is believed to contain wax panels and other chemicals. Firefighters have been battling the blaze since 11am yesterday. Not even an evening of rain could help dose the furious flames that were exacerbated on Friday by a strong wind that blew through Durban.
During the night, local businesses, residents and NGO, Gift of the Givers, rallied to support the tired firefighters, providing them with meals.
According to Garrith Jamieson of Rescue Care, two people have been injured by the fire.
Late Friday night, businesses in the vicinity of South Coast Road were told to evacuate their premises. Several roads were also closed to traffic, but according to Jamieson, those have since been reopened.
In a statement by the eThekwini Municipality, released yesterday, the City advised residents of high rise buildings including hotels and hospitals, using mechanical ventilation to be safe and use their discretion to limit their exposure to the smoke billowing from the fire. They also advised the public, that in the event the smoke comes down to street level, that people should stay indoors. “Pedestrians can make use of a damp cloth to cover their nose and mouth. Motorists are requested to be vigilant, keep a safe driving distance and switch your headlights on while on the road,” the statement also read.
Twitter has also responded to the fire. Last night many praised the firefighters, but this morning the public’s concern has turned to the health and environmental affects of the blaze.
#DurbanFire Still burning. pic.twitter.com/j5WtxNW0ly
— Dianne KohlerBarnard (@DKB20) March 25, 2017
#DurbanFire people need to realise this is exceptional. Challenges every aspect of firefighting. That no lives have been lost is fantastic!
— Wayne's World (@fyrguy65) March 25, 2017
https://twitter.com/BenekeErich/status/845506361421115393
#DURBANFIRE Black oil like substance floating on our pool this morning. How much Environmental damage? pic.twitter.com/6bEe9M1R9m
— John Buswell (@john_buswell) March 25, 2017
#durbanfire burning plastics -> release of highly toxic carcinogenic dioxins – brought down by rain? Public need assurances @iol @eNCA
— John Forbes (@John_in_Durban) March 25, 2017
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