PHALABORWA – Firefighting training undertaken by the Phalaborwa Natural Heritage Foundation (PNHF) and the Community Policing Forum (CPF) proved invaluable when a major fire broke out at Mahlathini Private Reserve, north of Phalaborwa near Silonque last weekend.

PNHF members, CPF representatives, the fire department and community volunteers worked together for 10 hours to extinguish the blaze, which threatened wildlife, the natural vegetation and neighbouring reserves.

The operation also received aerial support.

Training put to the test

According to Eugene Troskie of PNHF, the cause of the fire has not been established, although arson is suspected.

“We suspect it could have been arson because rangers found three poachers allegedly setting fire to a staff building,” said Troskie.

He believes the fire at the staff accommodation of the reserve may have been started to distract rangers, allowing the suspects to escape while the team responded to the blaze.

Troskie said the firefighting training conducted just a day earlier by Agri Limpopo, proved useful, as the teams were able to work together to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to other areas.

Following the incident, a PNHF Facebook post prompted questions from a follower about the availability of fire department support at the scene.

Second blaze keeps teams busy

Another fire broke out near Foskor, towards a tailings dam, on Sunday, November 1.

The teams again joined forces to help extinguish the flames.

Troskie said the cause of the second fire was also unknown, adding that arson could not be ruled out.

He urged residents who spot a fire to contact the CPF and fire department immediately so that the necessary teams can be mobilised to contain the fire before it quickly spreads.

PNHF thanked everyone who volunteered their time and energy to assist on the fireline.