The past weekend, Cape Town endured one of the hottest days of 2022. Unfortunately, this ignited a range of wildfires across the Western Cape, including multiple fires on Ou Kaapse Weg.
Now, Enviro Wildfire, the integrated Wildfire Management assistance organisation is offering a cash reward of R10 000 to anyone with relevant information pertaining to the arrest and conviction of the person who is alleged to have started several fires on Ou Kaapse Weg on Saturday, 22 January.
The NPO released a short statement via their social media platforms on Saturday, urging locals to assist them in finding a vehicle that was driving very slowly over Ou Kaapse Weg between 11h40 — 12h00 on Saturday.
Seven areas caught fire in Ou Kaapse Weg with the organisation believing that the person in the vehicle may have started these blazes for unknown reasons before making a hasty getaway.
However, despite the scorching heat, firefighters went above and beyond to contain the flames with the City’s fire and rescue service and TMNP and Wildland Fire Volunteers at hand, supported by four helicopters, as per IOL.
“The vegetation fire on both sides of Ou Kaapse Weg was reported just before noon on Saturday. It was brought under control before just 3pm. Twelve firefighting engines and about 80 staff members were on the scene, including the two sets of seasonal firefighters,” indicated the City’s fire and rescue services spokesperson, Jermaine Carelse.
While the suspect has not yet been apprehended, Enviro Wildfire has stated that numerous eyewitnesses have come forward, and they are currently accessing traffic camera video footage and reconstructing the event.
If you have any information, make sure you reach out at: [email protected] or 0834113378.
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