It took firefighters just over two hours to extinguish an aggressive fire on the R36 towards Morokolotsi.
The fire was reported after midday on Sunday, via Whatsapp.
At 12:40, the Letaba Fire Protection Association (FPA) said Marnus De Beer dispatched teams, then the Tzaneen Emergency Support Team (Tzaneen EST) dispatched 5 team members, followed by the Mopani District Municipality Fire brigade.
Marnus de Beer’s team tried a back burn to stop the head of the fire.
But the sizzling hot fire was moving in the direction of the Agatha mountains, fuelled by strong winds.
When water became limited, they called for help.
Extra teams arrived with water.
The FPA said the middle flank of the fire needed water the most, while the front flank kept climbing the mountains.
At some point, the fire was threatening the Morokolotsi R36.
Just before 2pm, the teams had established that homes are safe.
The right and middle flanks were both contained.
Teams are mopping up.
Another fire broke out just after 15:09, on Sunday afternoon, at Morokolotsi Atchar.
The FPA said the fire was heading towards the direction of the town of Tzaneen.
It was still small, but was heading towards Diggers Rest Plantations.
Teams walked together to the fire on foot with knapsack and put it out, by 4pm.
Photo credits: Marnus De Beer and Marinus van der Westhuizen.