If you see a fire, report it immediately! 

Thabazimbi – Raging fires are not an uncommon sight in Thabazimbi and surrounds during the months of August and September.

The shortage of rainfall over the past two months increased the risk of wildfires. Thaba Fire and Rescue had their work cut out for them and was up and about these past few weeks. 

The team is made up of volunteers. Some are permanently employed at other establishments and yet, they never hesitate to lend a helping hand.

Recently, they had to deal with the following  incidents: 

• On 11 September a fire started at Anglo American Platinum’s Amandelbult 2# shaft and started to spread to Northam Platinum mine. The fire spread for five to six kilometres. Thaba Fire and Rescue left at about 1pm from Thabazimbi and fought the fire in cooperation with the mine’s firefighters. The fire was brought under control shortly after 5pm. The cause of the fire is unknown. Fifteen volunteers assisted to stop the blaze.
• On 12 September, a call for help was sent all the way from Matlabas on the Sentrum Road, 80 kilometres from Thabazimbi on the R510 Ellisras Road. The cause of this fire is also unknown. The fire was right next to a farm and at the time the call came in, there were four bakkies with people already struggling to control the fire. Unfortunately, a lodge burned down in the process. Thaba Fire and Rescue departed from Thabazimbi at around 2pm and 13 volunteers assisted. 
• On 17 September, the community of Kromdraai was discouraged when another fire broke out after they ave been fighting and controlling  fires in Kromdraai on 15 and 16 September. It was massive and uncontrollable and it quickly spread through four plots and was on its way to the fifth. Kromdraai is close to Leeupoort and is about 103 km from Thabazimbi on the Brits Road. Thaba Fire and Rescue was called to help fight the fire. They left Thabazimbi at approximately 2pm and the fire was brought under controll at around 21h47. Thirteen volunteers assisted. 

Pierre Loots, founder of Thaba Fire and Rescue, pleads with the community to be careful not to cause runaway fires. “It not only leads to structural damage, but the lives of people and animals are at risk.”

In an interview with Platinum Bushvelder, councillor Tokkie Swanepoel, mayor of Thabazimbi Local Municipality said that Thaba Fire and Rescue is always ready to step up to the mark when help is needed.

“I would like to thank each and every one of the volunteers. I am extremely proud of you,” she said. 

If you notice a fire (big or small), contact the standby number of Waterberg Fire Department, Thabazimbi on 082 551 4204 or Thaba Fire and Rescue on 063 512 4633.

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