Lapa burns, firefighters douse spreading flames in north
Smouldering remains led to another fire after the thatch roof structure burned.
Firefighters had to be called out when a thatch roof lapa in Lalapalm Street burned down late Saturday afternoon. Sinoville Firefighters Association (SBBV) responded to the scene to stop the fire before it spread to the house on the property. SBBV spokesperson Zenobia Loock du Plessis said there were, fortunately, no one injured on the scene.
“Our firefighters arrived on the scene first and then, soon after, Tshwane emergency services,” said Loock du Plessis. “The SBBV handed over to Tshwane firefighters.” Loock du Plessis said the SBBV was later called by residents reporting smoke near Sefako Makgatho Drive and Lavender Avenue.
“It seemed the smouldering debris of the lapa that burned, flamed up again.” The SBBV team set out again to douse the fire that had been carried on by the wind. “It is very dry during the wintertime and even a small spark can cause a runaway veld fire.”
Loock du Plessis said motorists too should be careful not to leave their idling vehicles parked in a field or high grass. “The heat of the vehicle can cause dry grass to ignite.” She further warned that property owners, especially owners of thatch roof structures, should take extra precautions to avoid fires or have the necessary equipment, such as fire extinguishers, at hand. Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram
