By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
A fire at the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) Waterkloof Airbase in Pretoria emerged on Sunday.
The SANDF’s spokesperson, Brigadier-General Mongezi Kweta, said the fire started on the bulk fuel storage facility following a suspected leakage from a burst pump late on Sunday afternoon.
While Kweta said the SANDF had launched an investigation into the cause of the fire, he added that it had no reason to suspect any foul play at this stage.
Kweta said: “I can confirm that it started at the bulk fuel tanks where we store fuel. There is no clarity how the fire started and there is no indication on whether it came from underground or on the surface. Investigations continue to establish further details.”
Fire at Waterkloof Airforce base. Seems to be a fire at the fuel tanks. @crimeairnetwork @Abramjee @crimewatch202 @CrimeStop_RSA pic.twitter.com/8V4HpTKSlb
— Join Crime Update Gauteng (@mic02468) January 23, 2022
He said Waterkloof and Swaartkop Base firefighters “quickly” responded, contained, and put out the blaze around 20:00.
According to Tshwane emergency services spokesperson Roland Hendricks, a 24000 litre fuel tank caught fire.
He said the contents of the tank were unknown. Airforce Base Fire Fighters extinguished the fire and were busy with clean-up.
According to the Airforce, the fire was of such a nature that they did not deem it necessary to contact the City for assistance. However, we responded from the nearest station, per our predetermined attendance requirements, in order to assist the base in the event the situation escalated,”Hendricks said.
He furthermore added that upon arrival, it was confirmed that City resources were not required as the fire was already extinguished.
Hendricks said EMS remained on the scene to ensure that the scene was entirely safe.
Kweta said a statement with full details about the incident would be released at a later stage.