Two other similar fires in other parts of the east highlighted the importance of careful fire management during fire season, with the metro issuing a no-burn notice on Tuesday.
Ward councillor Henning Viljoen said that Tshwane firefighters were already on the scene when he arrived shortly after receiving the notification.
The large plume of smoke that many residents in the area could see originated from a burning illegal dumping site.
Viljoen said that the area was prone to illegal dumping which came with many dangers, including fires.
“We were worried about the substation [next to the burning rubbish], but luckily the scene was under control and the fire was not able to jump the substation wall.”
Tshwane emergency services (ESD) spokesperson, Deputy-chief Charles Mabaso, confirmed that the fire came from a burning rubbish dump.
He said that on the same afternoon, firefighters attended two other fires in Silverton and Nellmapius.
FIRE SEASON APRIL TO SEPTEMBER
The period from April to September is known as fire season, with high winds from August normally exacerbating fires.
In light of the dangers of fires in this period, Tshwane ESD has issued a notice of burn bans from August to September.
The no-burn period means that all individuals, organisations and owners of land in Tshwane are prohibited from burning sections of land or lighting uncontrolled open fires.
Mabaso said that anyone that wishes to conduct burning needs to apply for a permit to do so.
“Approval for burning will be contingent upon several factors, including the Fire Danger Index (FDI), South African Weather Service warnings and the outcome of inspections conducted by the Fire Protection Officer.”
He said that applications should be emailed to emergencyservices@tshwane.gov.za or physically handed in at the Fire Safety Section at Bosman fire station.
Mabaso also noted the city’s by-laws, which prohibit uncontrolled open fires and the unauthorised burning of refuse and other combustible materials aside from fires for purpose incinerators or incinerating devices.
Anyone that does not heed the by-laws will be guilty of an offence.
For a fire and rescue emergency, Mabaso asked residents to call the toll-free 107 number or 012 358 6300/6400.
For emergency medical or ambulance assistance, residents should call 112.
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