Mpuma fires claim fourth victim

2008-09-04 21:16

Sydney Masinga

Nelspruit - A fourth person has died on Thursday as a result of wildfires that started in Mpumalanga over the weekend.

The woman, who can't be identified until her family is informed of her death, was injured in a blaze near Barberton on Sunday. She died in Barberton hospital on Thursday.

"It is very unfortunate that I have to report that a fourth person has died in hospital this morning," said Andre Scheepers, regional spokesperson for the Working on Fire (WoF) programme.

He said six new fires were burning around the province on Thursday.

"The seven fires that were burning on Wednesday were contained, but we are faced with six new fires today" he said.

26 people injured

The total number of fires that have raged in the province since Saturday now amounts to 67.

Provincial local government spokesperson, Simphiwe Kunene, said the provincial disaster management unit was still trying to determine the full extent of the damage caused in 13 of the province's 18 local municipalities.

According to WoF, 26 people have been injured and four have died.

The fires have destroyed 33 000 hectares of land, 15 000 of which are commercial forestry plantations.

Five houses were damaged in Ermelo and another five houses were damaged in Standerton. Strong winds blew off the roofs of some houses.

"Municipalities have provided food parcels and tents to the affected households. The disaster management team is still in the process of compiling a report which will indicate the cost of the damages and how to assist the affected families," said Kunene.

Kunene said municipal emergency services personnel, commercial forestry companies and WoF remained on stand-by.

Local government MEC Candith Mashego-Dlamini has expressed her condolences to the families who have lost loved ones.

Residents are asked to continue reporting any fires to the provincial disaster management centre on the toll free number 0800 202 507.

- African Eye