Fire rages through recycling factory
The heat of the fire caused rivers of molten plastic to settle into small furrows and hollows of the property.
Firefighters battled to contain a blaze, which broke out at a Madadeni factory this afternoon (Thursday).
Workers at the complex on Purple Street said the fire had broken out at about 1pm, after a veld fire raged through the area and set alight bundles of plastic bound for recycling. By 3pm, the flames still licked hungrily at the flammable material.
The heat of the fire caused rivers of molten plastic to settle into small furrows and hollows of the property, still hot enough to cause burns hours after it was created. Winds and the flammable material created complications for first responders.
Onlookers explained the firefighters had attempted to contain the flames into a small area, although the necessity to refill the water tanks saw the fire spread to more bales closer to the factory. However, firefighters maintained they had a handle on the situation.
“We advise factory owners to create fire breaks around their factories for safety sake,” one firefighter commented, while quelling the flames.
Although the owner of the factory was not yet ready to comment, it is understood the factory collects plastic items such as bottles for recycling purposes, which is in turn used to refurbish shoe soles and more. At this time, the fire appeared to be under control.
