Five fires in the span of less than a month have led some farmers to believe that deliberate acts of arson are being committed near Wagendrift Dam and Moor Park areas.

Warren Blaker, who owns a farm here, says that last Thursday’s fire destroyed 40 hectares of grazing but it could’ve been worse.
At about 4.30pm Mr Blaker noticed the fire, which was moving fast, being fanned by the strong wind.

He immediately knew that it was not controlled firebreak burning, which had already been completed in the area. Mr Blaker knew that the fast-approaching fire could cause severe damage to homes and farmland as well as death for animals and people.

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A frantic WhatsApp voice message was sent to farmers in the area and their help to extinguish the blaze was requested.

“Within 15 minutes everyone was there and helped. Without the help of the community, we would’ve had a big problem,” said Mr Blaker.
“The terrain of area burnt made it in impossible to access with fire fighting equipment and even perilous to extinguish by use of beaters and nap sacks.

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“The fire was lit near the boat club side of the park and spread rapidly in a northern direction. The heat has also resulted in damage to fences,” he added.

After assessing the situation, Mr Blaker is convinced that the fire was an intentional act of arson. He says that four fires were started on July 3; fortunately it was extinguished without any serious damage.

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“We are working with Ezemvelo KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife to establish the exactly what happened. If anyone has information, we urge them to contact Ephraim Mavuso on 083 591 8907 or 082 691 9517,” said Mr Blaker.

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