As huge smoke clouds filled the Richards Bay sky this morning, planes have been hard at work dousing the burning woodchip stockpiles at NCT woodchip mill since 05:00.

Speaking to Zululand Observer, Zululand Fire Protection Association fire officer Tony Roberts said the aim is to prevent the TWK woodchip stockpiles from going up in flames as the NCT stockpiles continue to smoulder.

“We are wetting the woodchip piles that have not burnt, to prevent them from catching fire when the wind switch kicks in,” said Roberts.

This was expected to happen at about 09:00 and 10:00.

The fire, which has been raging since Saturday afternoon, prompted a collaborative response from various concerned agencies and the community.

Mondi Fire Services, Bell Equipment, Transnet Fire Services, South32, RBM, Foskor and other private companies have been part of efforts to extinguish the blaze.

In a statement on Sunday, Foskor, which is near the mill, said the company’s assets and property are safe and not affected by the fire incident.

“Despite this, we remain on alert and have implemented preventative measures as part of our contingency measures to keep our people and properties safe,” said Foskor spokesperson Thembile Jobe.