A massive fire erupted at the NCT Woodchip mill in Richards Bay this Saturday afternoon, triggering a rapid response from both the City of uMhlathuze Fire and Rescue Department and the Port of Richards Bay firefighting teams.
The fire had spread to the conveyor belt system at the mill, intensifying the emergency situation.
The Richards Bay Clean Air Association (RBCAA) issued a warning concerning the wind direction, which is expected to shift southerly by 5 pm.
This change in wind direction poses a risk as it could carry the smoke from the NCT fire towards the Hillside area and nearby residential neighborhoods.
Sandy Camminga, a spokesperson for RBCAA, advised residents, particularly those in Arboretum Extension, to take necessary precautions to protect their health and safety.
The cause of the fire is not known at this stage.
At 18h55 Councillor Henning de Wet reported that the fire crossed the road and has set alight the greenbelt behind it via Cassiandra and urged residents to remain vigilant and report any incidents to the City of uMhlathuze fire brigade.
