By Mpho Modiba
PHALABORWA— The Mopani District Municipality Fire and Rescue Services on Saturday said they’ve just brought the fire in Phalaborwa under control.
The fire raged through the Phalaborwa townhouses and made its way through Stalling street,Visarend street, Sterwer street, Battaleur street,Koorsboom street and Red Ivy Street burning down one after another engulfing more than 12 houses in Phalaborwa town this afternoon, Saturday, September 16.
The eight-room luxury accommodation facility Elegance Guest House located at 5 Red Ivory Crescent was deemed a complete loss after a fire tore through the building.
Ba-Phalaborwa Municipality says the cause of the fire is unknown at this stage however bushfires are suspected to have been the cause and no injuries have been reported.
“We are working closely with Mopani District Municipality Fire and Rescue Services to control the raging fire”
“There have not been injuries reported so far. However, we want to appeal to members of the public to remain calm and not interfere with the work of firefighters as they continue to work around containing the blaze”
Stakeholder such as PMC min, Foskor mine firefighters, 2 SANDF helicopters from Hoedspruit base were called to add more hands to the firefighters on the ground.
According to Mopani District Municipality spokesperson Odas Ngobeni, the Executive Mayor Cllr Pule Shayi is expected to join the Disaster Management team on-site later this evening to assess the damage and interact with the affected families.
Meanwhile, Phalaborwa CPF Anton Kellerman confirmed that the fire has been extinguished but the damage to properties is too much. The fire brigade and the public helped with water to minimise the situation.
To those who wish to assist in emergency supplies, the Dutch Reformed Church (van Rensburg Hall) will collect all non-perishable food (also longlife milk, etc.) tomorrow.
Transport is arranged and the vehicle will leave at 10:30 from the church.
Call / kontak Henda at 082 323 0012 or/of Marie at 082 683 2835
