Probe into Richards Bay woodchip mill fire
An investigation's been launched into the circumstances surrounding a fire that broke out at a woodchip mill in Richards Bay on the north coast.
A stockpile of wooden chips went up in flames at the NCT Company on Saturday.
Officials say the flames were exacerbated by high temperatures and winds, adding that the blaze was still burning on Sunday.
Umhlathuze says wooden chip sparks carried over John Ross Highway ignited an area near the highway and some residential parts.
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Firefighters dispatched to areas within Arboretum managed to bring the blaze under control on Saturday night.
On Monday morning, the city would be tackling burning stockpiles at the mill from the air in order to prevent flames from spreading to other industries.
"I don’t think the company will soon get off on the ground and start operating. I think it will take some time, and we know the company employs a lot of people," says Umhlathuze Mayor Xolani Ngwezi.
NCT's general manager Danny Knoesen says they have not been able to determine how the fire started or where it came from originally.
Knoesen says they will be investigating the matter once it is safe to do so.
