Durban - A City investigation into a fire that ripped through Queensburgh Metro Police pound that destroyed over 100 cars earlier this year has ruled out any foul play.
The eThekwini Fire Safety Department investigation found that the fire started from an “undetermined source of ignition” on private property situated 150 metres away from the Blundell Road vehicle pound.
According to the findings of the investigation, tabled at the city’s executive committee (Exco) meeting this week, the fire started as a grass and bush fire that spread along a path of “combustible vegetation”.
The investigation found that among the factors that contributed to the spread of the fire and the extensive damage were:
- Delays in reporting the fire incident and dispatching of fire engines. “It took more than five minutes from the time the call was received before the first fire engine was dispatched”.
- Strong winds and site topography.
- Inadequate attention given to control of combustible vegetation around the pound.
- Vehicles had fuel (petrol and diesel) in them at the time.
The estimated value of the damage caused by the fire was about R500 000, the report said.
The report recommended that the city consider erecting a non-combustible barrier around the pound to prevent fires from spreading, and installing fire-fighting equipment such as hydrants and hoses, which they site did not have.
Other recommendations the report said should be applied to other vehicle pounds around the city included limiting the amount of fuel in vehicles, ensuring batteries were disconnected and spacing vehicles further apart.
Municipal manager Sbu Sithole said the city had not received any claims for restitution from the owners of the vehicles, as all of the cars had been parked at the pound for more than the legally required one year.
He said the cars were in the process of being auctioned when the fire occurred.
Daily News
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