Dr Annelie Rabie, Executive Mayor of Overstrand, is offering a R15, 000 reward to anyone with information about the Stanford/Gansbaai fire.
This is because the Municipality believes the fire was started deliberately, after conducting a preliminary investigation into its cause.
The Gansbaai and Stanford fire burnt for more than 1 100 hectares.
A statement from the Overstrand, said “using fire pattern indicators, the investigation identified ten consecutive ignition points in a linear pattern perpendicular to the then prevailing easterly wind, over approximately 140 m.”
Homeless people, woodcutting and natural events of nature did not cause the fire, according to the report.
“The report stated that based on the circumstances surrounding the Bella Vista fire, it is probable that the person responsible will start additional fires and has most probably been doing so for a while. With the tall concealing fuel loads and prevailing summer weather conditions in the Stanford area, it is going to be extremely difficult, if not close to impossible, to catch the person in the act.”
No lives were lost as a result of the fire, but Dr Rabie said the damage to the environment and the costs of containing and eventually extinguishing the fire, were immense.
Those with information can contact the Fire Services’ 24-hour emergency control room: 028 312 2400 or send an email to enquiries@overstrand.gov.za
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