Fires moving 'hot, fast' in KNP

Mbombela – Fire-fighters in and around Kruger National Park are battling four fast-moving fires, some which started nearly a week ago, according to SANParks.

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Spokesperson William Mabasa said on Thursday fire-fighters have been trying to extinguished the flames since Friday, 12 September 2014.

“We are concerned about the hot weather conditions which we have been experiencing this week as they cause these fires to be difficult to control and can cause damage to the environment.”

SANParks said in a statement that a run-away fire jumped over the border on Friday from Mozambique into the Kruger National Park, burning areas south of Olifants River, Houtboschrand, N’wanetsi until Tshokwane.

“However, it is now under control.”

Mabasa said that on Wednesday another fire had started from one of their concession areas on the western side of the park.

“Two fires started today around Phabeni Gate areas as well and are still raging… Our conservation staff members are working day and night to try and manage all the fires at the moment.”

The public has been advise to be on the look-out for fires in the park and to refrain from starting more, as the dry and windy conditions cause these fires to be “fast, hot and out of control”.

Kruger National Park challenged by fires @ http://t.co/x4wBiamxHV pic.twitter.com/X0ACWzPuny

— Editor GPS news/nuus (@EditorKemp) September 18, 2014

Terrible catastrophy in Sabi Sands and Kruger. Rumor has it #poachers set a fire. Kruger and Sabi area under uncontrollable fire !! Pls Pray

— Sean Lock (@Icelock0069) September 18, 2014

Fire raging in Sabi Sands #bushfire is raging out of control in the Sabi Sands reserve bordering the #KrugerNationalPark

— Morne Dreyer (@DreyerMorne) September 18, 2014

WoF on high alert_fire stats past 39 days_825 fires_751 team deployments_137spotter+ 209bomber+98chopper deployments. Worst fires in 7 years

— Working on Fire (@wo_fire) September 18, 2014

Huge fire raging in the sabisands & skukuza area. Let's hope no lodges or any animals are caught in the blaze!! #krugerfire

— Buya Buya Travel (@BuyaTravel) September 18, 2014