Ashley Nyambe
The Rehoboth-Kalkrand fire, which resulted in the hospitalisation of the Rehoboth Mayor Enrico Junius and another, is still raging and is now spreading in the direction of Kalkrand along the B1 Road.
This was confirmed by the Chief Fire Officer of the Mariental Municipality, Dirk Cloete, who explained that the fire was temporarily extinguished on Thursday evening at about 19:23. However, he added, due to the windy conditions the fire was reignited and is now spreading along the B1 Road.
The fire, which started on Wednesday, resulted in Junius sustaining 60% burn wounds, while the other victim sustained 100% burn wounds. Both were flown to South Africa for medical treatment.
Cloete said that the fire covers an area of about 8 to 10 kilometres (km) and it also caused damage to about four or five farms in the surrounding area. At this stage it is clear that there is a loss of grazing at some surrounding farms, but the full extent of the damage is yet to be determined – as well as the cause of the fire.
Cloete made it clear that the cause of the fire is difficult to determine at this stage, adding that it could be caused by anything from welding to the heat in the dry, arid area. However, what is clear at this stage is that the windy conditions in the area is the main contributor to the reignition of the fire.
Fire fighters and fire officers from Rehoboth and Mariental as well as police officers from Rehoboth are currently at the scene, trying to get the three-day fire under control. Those who also want to assist are encouraged to contact Cloete directly at 081 208 1381.
