Preliminary investigations have revealed that the fire that ravaged more than 1 100 hectares between Gansbaai and Stanford on 28 December 2023, was started deliberately.
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This is according to Dr Annelie Rabie, the mayor of Overstrand Municipality, who is offering a R15 000 reward for information leading to the arrest and successful prosecution of those responsible for starting the fire at Bella Vista.
‘The report stated that based on the circumstances surrounding the Bella Vista fire, it is probable that the person responsible will start additional fires and has most probably been doing so for a while.’
‘With the tall concealing fuel loads and prevailing summer weather conditions in the Stanford area, it is going to be extremely difficult, if not close to impossible, to catch the person in the act.’
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Rabie says the investigation used fire pattern indicators to identify 10 consecutive ignition points in a linear pattern perpendicular to the then easterly wind over approximately 140m. ‘Other potential causes (Eskom, natural, accidental, negligence, etc) have been eliminated. There was also no evidence of woodcutting or vagrants.’
To report any information on the fire, contact the Fire Services 24-hour emergency control room at 028 312 2400 or send an email to [email protected].
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Picture: Overstrand Municipality / Facebook