Veld fire wreaks havoc in Wonderboom

The Sinoville firefighting association (SBBV), local CPF and Tshwane emergency services extinguished a veld fire along the Magalies mountains in Wonderboom on Sunday, July 31.

Spokesperson for SBBV Zenobia Loock du Plessis said the fire started on the Wonderboom side and spread.

He said at 13:21, the SBBV received a call as the fire, helped by the light breeze, edged closer to the house – referred to as the “white house” – on top of the mountain.

The Sinoville firefighters, who attended found that the fire was past the fence and closer to the buildings on the property.

“Firefighters managed to control the fire and extinguish it to stop reaching the nearby houses,” she said.

“It had spread to the cellphone towers and storerooms close to the main house.”

The team of volunteers left the mountain at 20:33.

“Fortunately no injuries were reported and thanks to the various parties that worked together they prevented the fire spreading further to residential areas,” Du Plessis said.

She added that the dry and windy climate at the moment is ideal for fires to spread incredibly fast.

Du Plessis urged motorists not to drive through dense smoke.

“If you cannot see in front of you, neither can the other motorists. If possible, use alternative roads or stop where it is safe and report the fire.

“It is important to wear the right clothes that are fire-resistant. Smoke inhalation also poses a serious risk.

“Training to fight fires is essential so SBBV appeals to the public to volunteer to train as firefighters,” she said.

For fire and rescue emergencies call 071 409 9251.

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