Fire raging near White River
The unexpected blaze is fuelled by high temperatures, low humidity and strong winds.
MBOMBELA – A massive fire continued to rage north of White River on Sunday morning.
The Lowveld and Escarpment Fire Protection Association (Lefpa) said the blaze started in the Witklip area.
On Saturday they had two bombers and scant ground crews at their disposal, given that the Lowveld fire season is over.
On Sunday UniquesAir assisted with an additional bomber and Working on Fire with a spotter plane.
Firefighters said it is the first time in 24 years that they are facing such a large fire in the Lowveld in December.
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Lefpa’s André Scheepers said the blaze is being fuelled by unexpected high temperatures, low humidity and strong winds.
An estimated 800 hectares has been destroyed.
The fire front was between eight and 10 kilometers long on Sunday morning.
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Lefpa thanked Rudamans and ORRU for their assistance.
They expect the fire risk to remain high until Tuesday.
