Ermelo landfill fires raise environmental and safety concern
Ermelo residents are concerned about the fire that was set at the landfill site on 21 May.
ERMELO – Concerns over public safety and environmental risk were raised after a fire broke out at the landfill site on Wednesday, May 21.
According to the FFP Plus’ Cllr Shobie Arnoldi, the site manager and a staff member at the landfill site witnessed an individual in a bakkie offloading garden refuse and then deliberately setting it alight before driving away.
Weather conditions on the day, including winds of up to 40km/h and low humidity, combined with dry grassland surrounding the site, increased the risk of the fire spreading. Municipal staff managed to contain the blaze before it could escalate.
Arnoldi expressed strong concern in a public statement, calling the fire “highly irresponsible and dangerous”.
“This reckless behaviour has put both the landfill operations and the surrounding environment at serious risk,” Arnoldi said, adding that the potential consequences could have been devastating for nearby farms, homes, and natural ecosystems.
He further emphasised that no member of the public is permitted under any circumstances to light fires at the landfill, and warned that the site is not equipped to manage the burning of waste.
The municipality is reviewing surveillance footage to assist in identifying the person responsible.
All residents are urged to report any suspicious activity to landfill staff or the Msukaligwa Fire and Rescue Services.
“Preventing fires is a collective responsibility,” Arnoldi said. “It begins with basic respect for the safety of others and our shared environment.”
With dry season conditions persisting, the public is reminded to act cautiously and dispose of waste responsibly.
