Fire persists at Empangeni landfill site

The ongoing fire at the Empangeni landfill site is being contained by firefighters, and residents have been urged not to worry.

This was revealed by King Cetshwayo District Municipality communications manager Thami Shangase, who said the smoke is the result of the fire being extinguished.

ALSO READ: WATCH: Visibility reduced, air quality compromised as Empangeni landfill continues to burn

“The resultant smoke is being treated to avoid pollution within the surrounding environment. Fire broke out at the District Solid Waste disposal site [over the weekend].

“Fire authorities worked for three hours to contain and extinguish the blaze. However, due to the flammable nature of the waste site, the fire resurfaced on Monday morning.

“Firefighters managed to put out the blaze and, together with the City of uMhlathuze fire department, they are using excavators and heavy plant machinery to contain the smouldering site.

“The fire started again at the different parts of Cell 2 and the refurbished Cell 1.

“Currently, we are using soil and other cover materials to manage the smoke that is still emanating from the site. The arrival of new waste on site is being managed to ensure minimal inconvenience,” said Shangase earlier today (Thursday).

He promised that the municipality would keep updating residents and all affected parties.

“We apologise for the inconvenience and assure residents of our commitment to safety at all times,” he said.

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