Firefighters struggle to put out blaze as illegal dumping fuels massive fire in The Reeds
Tshwane emergency services spokesperson Lindsay Zwelithini Mnguni warns that locals who dump illegally will be arrested, charged and prosecuted as illegal dumping is a crime.
A massive fire at a waste site continues to ravage an illegal dumping site at the corner of Rietspruit and Panorama roads in The Reeds Ext 3.
Firefighters recently told of their struggle to contain the blaze at the site.
According to Tshwane emergency services spokesperson Lindsay Zwelithini Mnguni, the fire started on Wednesday morning, October 23.
Mnguni said the fire was reported to their centre at 11:02.
He added that the fire was challenging to extinguish effectively due to its deep-seated nature and the ongoing illegal dumping occurring in the area.
“There are people who also continue to dump illegally as firefighting operations are ongoing,” said Mnguni.
“Firefighting operations were suspended temporarily on Thursday night, due to poor visibility and hazardous conditions.”
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Mnguni stated that the operations resumed on Friday morning, with specialised earth-moving equipment deployed to aid in separating rubbish and debris.
He said the Tshwane Emergency Services Department (ESD) has noticed a surge in illegal dumping site fires across the metro and warns the public of the dangers of illegal dumping, toxic particles and gases released by hazardous materials.
“Rubbish at these illegal dumping sites can auto-ignite due to the high temperature and decomposition of specific combustible items, causing harmful fires,” he said.
“Toxic particles and gases are released when hazardous materials burn, thus posing significant health and safety risks to the public and causing environmental pollution.”
Mnguni warned the public that offenders will be arrested, charged and prosecuted, as illegal dumping is a crime.
He urged everyone to take immediate action to prevent and report any instances of illegal dumping to law enforcement authorities such as the metro police or the SAPS.
“They must immediately call 107 toll-free or 012 358 6300/6400 to report any fire incident at these illegal dumping sites,” said Mnguni.
“Proper waste disposal through authorised channels, recycling, and community participation is crucial in preventing these incidents.”
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