BY:Vuyo Cebekhulu
Twin fires broke out in the towns of Eshowe and Nkandla in KwaZulu-Natal causing widespread concern of significant damage at night on the 07 th of July 2024.
Both fires erupted in the late evening, prompting a swift and coordinated response from local authorities and emergency services. In Eshowe, the fire ignited around 21h00 evening in the residential area, quickly spreading to nearby homes and vegetation.
The fire’s rapid spread was exacerbated by dry conditions and strong winds. Residents reported hearing explosions, likely due to gas canisters and other flammable materials igniting in the heat. Firefighters from Eshowe and neighboring towns responded promptly, battling the blaze through the night. Despite their efforts, several homes were severely damaged, and dozens of families were evacuated as a precaution. Emergency shelters have been set up to accommodate those displaced by fire.
Cabangile Gumede, a local resident at eNkanini were the fire also emerged commented, “I stay alone in my home since my daughter works far from here, I kept on
looking outside the window to see if the fire is extending closer to where I leave,” she said.
A similar fire broke out in Nkandla approximately 50 kilometers from Eshowe. The fire started near a commercial area, quickly engulfing several businesses and threatening nearby residential zones. Firefighters units from Nkandla, assisted by teams from surrounding areas worked tirelessly to contain the flames and prevent further spread. The situation in Nkandla was particularly challenging due to the dense infrastructure and narrow streets, which hampered firefighting efforts. Despite these difficulties, the fire was brought under control by the early hours of the morning, through several businesses suffered extensive damage. KwaZulu-Natal premier, Nomusa Dube-Ncube, visited the affected areas on the 08th of July in the morning, expressing her condolences to those affected and praising the efforts of emergency responders.
“The bravery and dedication of our firefighters and emergency services have been exemplary. Our thoughts are with those who have lost their homes and businesses. We will do everything in our power to support them during this difficult time,” she said.
Eshowe town suffered a tragic fire outbreak on the 04th of April 2024 where an infant and toddler died in the house that was caught by fire, three-months-old Masande Xaba and two-year-old Bandile were burnt beyond recognition when their rented one-room home in Sunnydale in uMlalazi municipality caught fire on the 04th of April, Thursday night. The other two children five and seven-year-old Akhona and Anele suffered a first degree burns and were rushed to the Ngwelezane Hospital in Empangeni. The communities of Eshowe and Nkandla were warned to be careful when lightening fire and to make sure that they extinguish the fire when they are done using it.
