Empangeni dump fire continues

Underground chemical gases have been attributed as the cause of an ongoing fire at the temporary dumping area at the Empangeni landfill site.

The fire started on Sunday, and the King Cesthwayo District Municipality (KCDM) spokesperson Thami Shangase stated that initial thoughts are that high temperatures ignited the fire.

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“Our firefighters, technical team, environmental affairs officials, and other emergency services are on site. We have procured services of a private service provider to come and assist us in putting off the fire,” Shangase said.

Meanwhile, strong winds are blowing smoke over the John Ross highway and could pose traffic concerns.

Earlier this year a massive blaze at the landfill site burned for over eight weeks before it was eventually contained.
Temperatures on Sunday were for the most part below 30 degrees Celcius.