Fire hits bird sanctuary, again
Councillor concerned as this was the third fire incident reported at the sanctuary in a space of three months.
The Fire Department had to be called to the scene of a blaze at the Randfontein Bird Sanctuary in Culemborg Park on Tuesday afternoon, 4 August. The extent of the damage is unknown at this stage.
Bennie Mohlabeng, Regional Commander of the Randfontein Fire and Rescue Services did, however, confirm to the Herald after 8pm on Tuesday that the fire has been extinguished.
“We got a call at about 4pm. Preliminary investigations reveal that the fire most likely was caused by an open flame, probably after someone had dropped a cigarette butt or set nearby garbage alight. Most fires at the sanctuary start as a result of this.”
Craig Harrison, a councillor in the area said the Fire Department was on scene within minutes.
He is, however, concerned that this was the third fire incident reported at the sanctuary in a space of three months.
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“I have asked council and the relevant MMC time and again to create a firebreak around the sanctuary that will ultimately protect nearby buildings, businesses and infrastructure.”
Harrison said on 15 June this year, a fire broke out at the sanctuary with pyromaniacs to blame, followed by another fire on 26 July.
In October last year there was also a fire at the sanctuary. Preliminary investigations revealed that it was caused by illegal dumpers setting alight garbage nearby.
This is a developing story.
