WATCH: More than 100k litres of water dropped on Richards Bay woodchip stockpiles amid ongoing efforts to contain the fire

While the NCT woodchip stockpiles are still on fire at the Richards Bay mill, the blaze is contained to one area and has not spread to the TWK piles.

Waterbombers are still hard at work this (Tuesday) morning to prevent any further damage to infrastructure.

ALSO READ: WATCH: NCT speaks on Richards Bay woodchip mill fire

Approximately 100 000 litres of water was dropped onto the smouldering stockpiles on Monday.

By 8am on Tuesday, four flights had dropped more water onto the piles, and the Blackhawk helicopter had also done numerous drops, but there were concerns that the building wind would ground pilots later in the morning.

Speaking to the Zululand Observer on Tuesday morning, general manager for timber exports and new business at TWK Agri, John Swaine said their infrastructure was lucky to have escaped the inferno and are exhausting all efforts to protect it from possible damage.

He, however, expressed concerns that the stockpiles have been contaminated.

The fire, which has been raging since Saturday afternoon, prompted a collaborative response from various concerned agencies and the community.

ALSO READ: WATCH: Aerial fight against Richards Bay woodchip fire intensifies

Zululand fire protection officer Tony Roberts said it would take at least one month for the fire to burn out, and that it could not be extinguished owing to the magnitude of the woodchip stockpiles.

Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA), meanwhile, has confirmed that operations at the Port of Richards Bay have not been hampered. This despite TNPA attending to the fire.

“To ensure minimal disruptions to port operations, the port has advised all cargo owners who use trucks for transportation to utilise the truck booking system,” said TNPA in a statement.

“Employees and port users remain the port’s biggest priority and they have been encouraged to remain compliant to instructions and safety protocols issued by TNPA, as well as local authorities.”

In a statement on Tuesday, Foskor said they remain on high alert and are implementing preventative and precautionary measures to their staff and assets safe.

“We are working in close contact with the NCT management who confirmed the containment
of the fire blaze at their stockpile, as well as measures in place to prevent fire spread.

“We are also encouraged by additional efforts put in place to keep the fire situation under control,” said Foskor.

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