Fire damages fields at Birch Acres Football Club
Management of the club believes arson is involved.
Birch Acres Football Club suffered immense damage to two of its playing fields, following a fire last week Thursday.
A caretaker noticed the fire at around 2pm and alerted the club’s chairman, Vusi Tshabalala.
Tshabalala contacted vice chairman Botong Lenco, who alerted Kempton Park Fire Brigade. According to Lenco, the club strongly suspects that arson was involved and will file a case with Norkem Park SAPS.
“This is the second fire in two months,” he told Express on Monday. The club believes both fires were started by residents who dumped their refuse nearby and set it alight.
“Had it not been for the fire brigade’s quick response, we could’ve lost everything,” Lenco added.
The latest fire destroyed 20 per cent of both fields and damaged three goalposts. However, if residents do not stop burning their refuse, Lenco believes the damage might be much worse in future.
“People need to be aware. They are not only a risk to us but also to themselves,” he urged, stating there is a substation on the club grounds, as well as adjoining properties with houses.
William Ntladi, spokesperson for Ekurhuleni Emergency Services, on Wednesday said he consulted with local fire stations but found no record of the call.
