- Efforts continue to douse a massive fire at the NCT Woodchip Mill in Richards Bay.
- However, it is feared the fire may take some time to be completely extinguished.
- Aerial water bombers have been used to prevent the fire from spreading.
Management for the NCT Woodchip Mill said that extinguishing the fires, raging since the weekend in Richards Bay, could take time.
The fire broke out on Saturday, and has been contained to the mill itself.
City of Umhlathuze spokesperson Bongani Gina previously said the fire appeared to have originated at a conveyor belt used for the storage of wooden chips.
“However, a comprehensive investigation will be conducted to determine the precise cause of the fire. At the time of arrival of firefighters, the fire had already engulfed the wooden chip stockpiles.”
Initial weather conditions posed significant challenges, with temperatures soaring to an estimated 39 degrees Celsius in the first days of the blaze.
Since it began, fire teams have worked to contain the fire.
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On Tuesday, NCT Forestry’s Wood Chipping operations general manager Danny Knoesen said it could take more time to put out the fire.
“The chip piles are likely to burn for a considerable time and all that can be done currently is to cool them down and prevent spread. Extinguishing is going to be a long process.”
He countered the earlier statement by Gina, saying any comments as to the origin of the fire “must also remain pure speculation at this juncture”.
He added:
The site is currently too dangerous to access and assess, and absolutely no investigation has been conducted. There are simply no facts to work on currently.
Knoesen quashed rumours that toxic fumes were emanating from the days-long fire.
“NCT assures the public that these are pure speculation. The wood chips NCT has in stock are merely small pieces of raw wood (as you would use on your braai fire) with no added chemicals.”
He said rumours of job losses at NCT were also false.
“There is absolutely no talk of job losses. NCT, as a co-operative, is fully invested in the needs of its staff and valued members, comprising independent growers and suppliers, and definitely plans to rebuild. We need people to do this.”
He said aerial bombers, and a very large contingent of ground forces and specialised machines, continue to focus all attention on preventing the fire from spreading to any of the neighbouring industries and residents.
“Considerable assistance is being rendered from NCT forest operations, the municipality and many local businesses.”