uMhlathuze Deputy Mayor at Richards Bay in northern KwaZulu-Natal, Christo Botha, says the wind direction has changed – causing a flare up of the massive stockpiling fire at a wood chip mill.
He says there are concerns that the fire situation may develop negatively in the evening as they will not be able to use aircraft to try and douse the fire.
Earlier the John Ross Highway was re-opened after the fire caused its partial closure.
Botha says people need to be informed of the situation.
VIDEO | Vusi Khumalo updates on Richards Bay fire:
Tweet from Vusi Khumalo:
#RichardsBayFire Firefighters and emergency personnel are still battling the raging fires at NTC Forestry. The fire broke out on Saturday. No lives have been lost and no injuries have been reported. The company says there’s nothing salvageable at this stage. #SABCNews pic.twitter.com/lPXJCsZCL1
— Vusi Khumalo (@djvuslo) October 2, 2023