A picture of a nappy factory that has gone up in flames in Royston Road, Pietermaritzburg. Photo KwaZulu Private Ambulance.
Emergency services are on the scene on Royston Road, near Sobantu in Pietermaritzburg, calling for backup from surrounding areas as crews battle to contain a fire at a nappy factory.
Firefighters from the Msunduzi and uMgungundlovu Fire Departments responded to the blaze, which spread rapidly through the premises.
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Thick black smoke could be seen rising above the area as emergency teams worked to bring the fire under control. The cause of the fire has not yet been established.
Crews are battling intense heat and heavy smoke while trying to contain the flames and stop the blaze from reaching neighbouring buildings.
KwaZulu Private Ambulance Services confirmed that no injuries had been reported.
“The Fire Department is currently on scene and actively fighting the fire,” said spokesperson Craig Botha.
By 7:30 pm, the fire remained intense and continued to pose a threat to nearby factories.
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“The fire is intense and is starting to affect nearby factories,” a firefighter said.
“We are trying to get fire trucks from neighbouring areas. Judging by how severe it is, this fire will likely burn through most of the night.”