By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Three female firefighters have been killed while battling a runaway veld fire on the R617 near Boston, Mpophomeni in Kwazulu-Natal (KZN).
Midlands EMS CEO Mark Winterboer confirmed that seven firefighters had been alive when paramedics arrived on the scene, but three had died as a result of their injuries.
Another four were transported to hospital with 100% burn wounds.
Winterboer added that medics are still on the ground treating those injured in the blaze, but initial estimates are that as many as 20 firefighters could be dead.
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (KZNCogta) placed disaster management teams on high alert on Monday due to severe wind warnings from the South African Weather Service.
The South African Weather Service has issued a warning of high fire danger conditions in the western parts of KwaZulu-Natal.
Weather forecaster Sihle Dlamini says a 30% chance of rain is expected in the province on Monday.
“We are not expecting any rain. However, we do have a cold front over us, but it’s just not giving us rain for today. However, it is giving us rain tomorrow which is 30% chance along the coastal areas of KZN, a little bit of adjacent interior. However, we do have a warning that is valid only for today for fire danger index that is affecting the north western areas of KZN, which include the areas of Ladysmith, and Newcastle. People are advised to take take precaution of that warning.
Meanwhile, the eThekwini Municipality says it is coordinating temporary relief efforts for the survivors of a fire at the Kenville Informal Settlement in Springfield in Durban.
The fire broke out in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Hundreds of people have been displaced.
eThekwini Municipality, Gugu Sisilana said the cause of the fire which has left hundreds of people displaced is not yet known
“A team of 30 firefighters were dispatched to the scene with eight fire engines. The firefighters worked tirelessly until the fire was successfully extinguished. The estimated number of gutted informal settlements is more than 100 and about 300 people have been displaced.
“Those who suffered minor injuries were treated by medical personnel on site. Sadly one fatality was reported where a young pregnant woman succumbed to fire injuries,” Sisilana said.