GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - It remains unclear how the fire that had Graaff-Reinet abuzz on Saturday afternoon started.

Many residents gathered to see the meter-high flames, which blazed in the Sundays River near the Urquhart Caravan Park. The fire started at around 4pm, and lasted for over two hours. At one point, the flames reached the bridge near the entrance of Mountain Drive.

"The municipality thanks everyone who assisted with the fire," said Acting Spokesperson for the Dr Beyers Naudé Municipality, Wilca Smith. She also thanked community members and pupils of Union High's boarding house, who helped extinguish the fire.

Smith reminded residents of the dangers of open fires.

"Please consider that water is needed to extinguish fires, and is a scarce source during the drought." This was not the first time that billowing clouds of smoke covered Graaff-Reinet because of a fire in the river. 

The Advertiser reported at least four fires in the last five months. However, the fires weren't as close to a public road as the latest one. The municipality failed to comment in time for print whether action will be taken to prohibit further river fires. 

Residents of Graaff-Reinet and surrounding areas can report fires to the municipality on 083 754 9908.

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