When the wind fed the flames, neighbours joined the fight

Platinum Bushvelder newspaper | Thabazimbi – A veld fire broke out near Roodedam West along the R510 between Thabazimbi and Northam on Thursday afternoon, 17 September 2026. Strong winds reportedly caused Eskom power lines to short circuit, igniting the dry grass. The cause has not been independently confirmed.

Thaba Fire & Rescue received the call at about 18:00. By the time its crew arrived, the fire had spread across a sizeable area.

Thaba Fire & Rescue, the Northam Platinum and Amandelbult fire teams, and local farmers worked together to contain it.

At around 00:30, the flames moved towards the rocky hills, where difficult terrain limited access. The teams monitored the fire and worked to prevent it from spreading. At sunrise on Friday, the Northam Platinum and Amandelbult crews returned with vehicles able to reach the rougher terrain.

No injuries or property damage were reported. Roodedam resident Kobus Muller thanked every crew member and farmer who gave their time and equipment to protect the community.

Photo: Flames spread through dry veld near Roodedam West during the fire on 17 September.