By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Ba-Phalaborwa Policing forum confirmed that a total of 12 houses have been burned to the ground, and another 34 structures were badly damaged when a veld fire, fuelled by strong winds, jumped the R71 into adjacent streets.
The chairperson of Ba-Phalaborwa Policing Forum, Anton Kellerman, on Sunday said, 12 homes including a guest house were totally burned to the ground .
A veld fire broke out just outside Phalaborwa town.
Kellerman says strong winds with speeds ranging from 15 to 20 km/h propelled the fierce inferno towards the town.
He added that the fire, that resurged last night, was this morning brought under control and that relief efforts have been put in place to assist those whose properties were damaged.
“The Phalaborwa CPF has started a campaign to collect food, blankets and clothing for the families that lost everything. We want to thank our community and all the role players that came far to assist and to make donations,” said Kellerman.
The towns of Hoedspruit (Farm Watch and Town Watch) and Tzaneen (churches and local charity organisations) are among the many institutions sending care packages and necessities to their neighbouring town.
Sybrandt van Niekerk from the DA in Phalaborwa confirmed that rescue efforts that were sourced include that of LFPA helicopters and the fire-fighting teams of Foskor, PMC, SANDF (Hoedspruit) and Mopani Fire-fighting Services.
“Guest houses have offered their services free of charge for those whose houses were destroyed in the fire. This really is an effort everyone is involved in,” he remarked.
BaPhalaborwa Mayor Merriam Malatji was scheduled to meet with Mopani Mayor, Pule Shayi to map the way forward in assisting affected families.