ICYMI: SPCA staff fight fire to protect animals
MIDRAND– SPCA staff fought to contain a fire that had started in a veld next to the SPCA.
The Midrand SPCA had a struggle following the break out of a fire in a field just outside their property on 7 June.
General Manager of the Midrand SPCA, Pam Pretorius said that the veld fire just outside their property broke out in the afternoon. Inspector Jerry Seemise and kennel assistant Godfrey Tefo grabbed their equipment to hold back the fire from reaching their animals.
Pretorius, who rushed to the property as soon as she heard, said that she was worried for the safety of her staff and the animals in the kennels.After numerous struggles to get in touch with the Department of Emergency Services and the Midrand Fire Department, they received help from the Lonehill Fire Department alongside members of the Community Policing Forum.
Pretorius said, “Jerry and Godfrey are my superheroes. They managed to get close enough to keep the fire from reaching the SPCA and they saved our animals and organisation.”
Spokesperson for EMS Robert Mulaudzi confirmed that the Lonehill Fire Department assisted in extinguishing the fire and the reason the Midrand Fire Department could not come to the area was due to a lack of vehicles in the area to assist the society.
Pretorius said that she suspects the fire started because of the instances of illegal dumping in the veld just outside their offices. She said that she has noticed vehicles coming regularly into the field to drop off chopped down branches and trees which she suspects caught on fire.She added that she has reported the issue to the Metro police and is still awaiting response to the illegal dumping in the area.
Metro police spokesperson, Chief Superintendent Wayne Minnaar, said, “When they see anyone illegal dumping in their area, they should take a photo and the licence plate number of the offending vehicle and send it to the illegal dumping hotline at 080 872 3342.”Details: Midrand SPCA 011 265 9935.
