Reasons to why the Randfontein Bird Sanctuary in Culemborg Park caught fire on Tuesday afternoon, 8 October has already been established by authorities.

Benny Mohlabeng, Regional Commander of the Randfontein Fire and Rescue Services confirmed to the Herald that nearby garbage was set alight.

Read the initial article here:

https://www.citizen.co.za/randfontein-herald/316409/just-fire-ravages-bird-sanctuary-culemborg-park/

“Preliminary investigations revealed that illegal dumpers set nearby garbage alight.  What made matters even worse was the wind. The fire then spread throughout the park,” he said.

He added the fire is currently under control but the exact extent of the damage is unknown at this stage.

“It is common cause, however, that a number of bird nests have been destroyed.”

Mohlabeng also expressed his concern about the incident.

Craig Harrison, a councillor in the area, added, “The fire allegedly started at an illegal dumping site in Wol Street and then spread through the bird park. Infrastructure has been destroyed and tons of birds lost in the fire.”

Harrison has submitted questions to the town’s mayor to put measures into place to prevent this from happening again.