SEBOKENG.–  There are two possible causes for the underground fire that burned approximately seven residents of Zone 7 B and the Tovitjo Informal Settlement in Sebokeng recently.

The underground fire was reported to authorities at the Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM) after seven residents, including children, were burned while using the shortcut next to the Mbamba (Ha-Mbamba) house linking Sebe and Nyembezi Streets.

The ELM then warned residents to stay clear of the popular shortcut behind U-Save.

The Ha-Mbamba stand used to be a coal vending spot for many years and it is believed that heat or spontaneous combustion was to be blamed for the underground fire. Speaking to Sedibeng Ster, an ELM Fire Brigade official, who wished to remain anonymous because he is not authorised to comment on behalf of the ELM, said that only two things could have caused the fire, heat or spontaneous combustion.

The official said the heat of the summer sun, the ash, and the remaining coals underground could have reached a certain ‘boiling point’ and started to ignite. He added that it could have also been heat combustion because there is a dumping site nearby where people are burning their rubbish, and that heat could have caused the ashes (or ash dust) below to ignite.

Visiting the scene yesterday morning Sedibeng Ster met the parent of a man, Sizwe Zulu, who was burned while using the shortcut.

“My son was horribly burned while crossing through that stand. We have been here for over 50 years and we have seen nothing like this,” said the father, John Zulu.

A mother of a child who got burned said that she is thankful her five-year-old son is making a steady recovery. He and his friends were burned by the underground fire while looking for material to make kites at a rubbish site nearby.

“We are thankful that his injuries are healing well. He was burned while the schools were closed and has been receiving medication and wound dressings from the nearby Zone 7 clinic,” the mother said.

The ELM has commended the Fire Department for battling the underground fire.

The ELM said the Public Safety Department’s special services advised the firefighters to dig several inspection holes exposing 2.2m deep coal residue that built up over 35 years of vending. The team discovered hot spots in some holes and began flooding the area. Over 72 000 litres of water was used to tackle the fire and to dampen down all identified hot spots. The municipality said they deployed teams of firefighters including management, a fire engine, two water tankers, a TLB, and an excavator to aid uninterrupted fire extinguishing efforts.

“This required two water tankers from Metsi-a-Lekoa and an excavator from the Roads and Stormwater Department which were in attendance to help with the operation. The situation was brought under control in three days. Extensive work to ensure the fire is fully out will continue to ensure that the community of Zone 7B is safe.”

The community has been warned to avoid using the shortcut and children should stay far from that area until the Public Safety Department advises otherwise.

“Open fires in and around the affected area are prohibited. The success of this is dependent on all of us working together,” the ELM said.