WATCH: People evacuated as fire breaks out at Richards Bay Civic Centre

UPDATE [11:30]

The rates hall and the licensing department will remain operational while the main building, which was affected by fire on Tuesday morning, will be closed to the public and staff.

This is according to City of uMhlathuze Mayor Xolani Ngwezi, who was giving an update on the fire that broke out at the Richards Bay Civic Centre this (Tuesday) morning.

He said mop-up operations are under way and investigations have begun to determine the cause of fire as well as the cost of damage.

EARLIER:  City manager Nkosenye Zulu gives an update on the damage caused.

Municipal staff and members of the public were evacuated earlier this morning, shortly after the fire broke out. The blaze is said to have broken out in the dining hall near the municipal council chambers.

The city’s fire department is on scene attempting to extinguish the massive blaze which has engulfed the chambers.

The Disaster Manager has indicated that the building will not be safe for use for the day and even when the fire is put out. Residents are urged to avoid the area.

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