Due to the high risk of fires this season, community members are cautioned not to start open fires, as there is a chance it can spread and get out of hand because of the area’s dry condition.
Fire season is from June 1 to October 31 each year and an indication of the most dangerous time to start fires. It is especially dangerous in this area, as Hazyview’s nearest fire station is in White River.
A concerned citizen recently contacted Hazyview Herald, after he assisted putting out a building fire just outside of town. He raised concerns regarding the fact that Hazyview had no fire department and that it could take staff from the nearest station some time to attend to serious blazes.
Upon enquiries to the Mbombela Local Municipality, communications officer, Ms Bessie Pienaar confirmed that the White River Fire Station was currently serving the Hazyview area, with assistance available from Mbombela if needed. This will ultimately result in a delayed response time between the two towns.
Council reportedly made a decision to erect a fire station to service the Hazyview area for this specific reason.
This will, however, take some time as this project is apparently in line after the station for the Matsulu area has been erected, which is currently in progress. It is believed that the Hazyview station’s construction could possibly only start within the next two years.
