An investigation will be launched to determine the
actual cause of the devastating fire that severely damaged the production
section of a local recycling company in Bloemfontein, yesterday (04/09). The
fire engulfed the building of the recycling company situated in Mannion Road in
Oranjesig.
Fire brigades of the Mangaung Metro Municipality
battled for hours to extinguish raging flames which were fanned by strong
winds. Ultimately, the team of fire fighters managed to control the flames that
threatened to cross over into adjacent buildings.
Braam van Zyl, Mangaung Fire Chief, said while
approximately 60% of the building was saved, the fire caused extensive damage
to the production section of the recycling company. “The cause of the fire is
unknown. Forensic investigations will be launched to try determine the cause of
the fire,” said van Zyl. He confirmed that there were no fatalities due to the
fire.
The affected company is believed to be Master
Recyclers, whose management is yet to also quantify the cost of damages due to
the fire.
The devastating fire was identified by thick smoke
in the sky, hanging over parts of Bloemfontein (east). Members of the community
who had gone to investigate the origin of the dark cloud of a smoke, watched on
as the blaze engulfed the building. They watched from across the railway lines.
According to eyewitnesses, they noticed the fire at
about 14:30. “We first saw smoke coming from the inside of the building. Then
we alerted people who were inside about it,” said one of them. Recyclable
material not yet processed, was saved.
