Veld fire engulfs tyres

A huge plume of black smoke could be seen dominating the Newcastle skyline yesterday morning.

A veld fire, fueled by the heavy wind, spread to Roy Point farm next to the N11. A large pile of tyres on the farm succumbed to the flames, spewing forth a massive cloud of black smoke.

Bob Surtie, one of the owners, said the fire had spread from the roadside. “Someone probably struck a match that side, next to the road,” he said, pointing in the direction of the N11. “Now the wind brought the fire here.”

Mr Surtie further explained they kept the tyres to be used in and around the farm, as it was difficult to find old tyres. An old shed containing outdated farm implements was also caught in the line of fire. However, the owners said not much damage could be caused, as the implements were no longer used.

Fire fighters on scene had to make use of foam, a specially formulated chemical that douses fires more effectively, to get the burning rubber under control.

Protection Services were kept busy yesterday, with multiple incidents involving veld fires in and around Newcastle.