Warren Blaker believes that prevention is better than cure. He is the newly elected Deputy Chairman and Fire Protection Officer of the Umtshezi Fire Protection Association.

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Mr Blaker is concerned about the fire risks posed at the Estcourt Landfill Site.

“The South African Weather Service has predicted the next three months to be warm, with little rain events of above 5mm and high winds. With late rains and these conditions, it looks like we are in for a tough fire season,” he explained.

This past Friday when a reporter from the Estcourt News visited the dumpsite, the only fire in sight was a contained one, while steamy chicory was being dumped.

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One of Mr Blaker’s main concerns is that the dumped materials are being set alight.

“This fire can become uncontrollable. If the smoke blows across the freeway, it could be toxic smoke and block the N3 for days. This can cost the economy millions of Rands every hour. If the wind blows in the opposite direction, a fire could wipe out the Mabhalonini and Mimosadale communities,” he added.

Mr Blaker hopes to put fire breaks in place ahead on any hazard but also hopes that the local municipality can assist.

Mr Blaker went on to say: “The next major risk is the spread of fire especially with strong winds, this can spread to vehicles and neighbouring properties. To extinguish a fire like this is no easy task, heavy machinery and a large amount of water is needed. It’s time consuming and extremely dangerous. No management of the landfill site, due to an equipment shortage, has seen it become impossible.”

These concerns have been forwarded via email to Inkosi Langalibalele Local Municipality.

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