Runaway fire doused after all-night battle

A RUNAWAY fire that raced across game reserves and farms on the outskirts of Grahamstown was brought under control yesterday after a gruelling 20-hour battle.

The fire was almost extinguished by 1pm with only smouldering debris and burning tree trunks left behind.

Lalibela, Shamwari and Bayete game reserves, Rippon’s Safari Lodge and several farms were af- fected by the blaze. Farmers have estimated that more than 2 000ha of prime farm land was destroyed.

The fire started on Wednesday at Shamwari Game Reserve after a burning exercise went awry.

Unexpected winds saw the fire, which started at 10am, jump rapidly and push through several fire breaks.

Farm workers, owners, game rangers and firefighters spent hours tackling the blaze as it tore through farm land.

Rippon’s Safari Lodge manager Brian Mullins, of Boet and Swaer comedy fame, said workers from farms in the area worked throughout the night.

“It was a long night but we managed to get it under control,” he said.

Mullins said no buildings were damaged or animals killed by the runaway blaze.

“Obviously some livestock farmers have lost grazing but that is the extent of the damage,” he said, adding they were now hoping for rain.

Shamwari Game Reserve manager Gunther Strauss said some teams of workers were still wetting grass and putting out smouldering debris.

Yesterday morning, the reserve’s vet and ecologist were sent to assess affected farms.