Pietermaritzburg landfill fire: relief as rains douse week-long inferno
The Umsunduzi Municipality confirms that the New England landfill fire in Pietermaritzburg is under control, with 60 percent of the blaze doused so far.
The fire started last week Friday, and has continued to burn throughout the week.
READ: GALLERY: Health concerns over poor air quality from raging Pietermaritzburg fire
Firefighters are working around the clock to put out the flames, while the municipality has advised nearby residents to stay indoors while nearby schools were forced to close.
Municipality spokesperson Thobeka Mafumbatha said: "The fire is actually under control at the moment and we have covered a lot of ground. We are really thanking the team that are working under so much pressure. I think the weather situation yesterday when there was rain also assisted the situation."
Nearby residents have complained of burning eyes, nausea and headaches.
READ: New England landfill fire sparked by dwellers: MEC
