WATCH: Firefighters geared for high weather temperature on Saturday

"There is a million tonnes of product that cannot be shipped out at the moment," says TWK GM, John Swaine

October 6, 2023

Gugu Myeni 1 minute read

The aerial fight against the woodchip fire continues PHOTO: Dave Savides

Firefighters battling the ongoing woodchip blaze at the NCT mill are geared up for high weather temperatures in Richards Bay tomorrow (Saturday).

Temperatures in Richards Bay and Empangeni are predicted to reach a high of between 33 and 39 degrees.

ALSO READ: Calm weather welcome as firefighting continues in Richards Bay

Speaking to the Zululand Observer on Friday afternoon, TWK GM John Swaine said there are a number of fire teams on the ground and in the sky working tirelessly to shield the unburnt stockpiles.

“NCT is also working to minimise the risk of the stockpiles catching fire.

“It is, unfortunately, going to be a long process but with all the resources and the backing from the community of Richards Bay, we are going to win,” said Swaine.

He said they hope to get back into production as soon as possible, as this catastrophe will have a huge economic impact on Richards Bay and the forestry sector.

“There is a million tonnes of product that cannot be shipped out at the moment and can’t be produced at least for the next few months until NCT is up and running again,” said Swaine.