The garden refuse site on Quenera Drive in Beacon Bay was closed yesterday as firefighters worked on putting out a fire that started on Wednesday morning.
Residents and businesses complained of the smoke blanketing the area, while those wanting to dump garden refuse were also unhappy. When the Daily Dispatch arrived at the site yesterday, motorists there to dump their rubbish were being turned away.
Basil Bosch from Selborne said the closure was an inconvenience.
“This is closest dumpsite to where I live.
“Now I will have to drive to the Amalinda tip, which is not entirely safe either,” said Bosch.
Buffalo City Metro spokesman Thandy Matebese said the fire started on Wednesday around 7.30am and that a large area had been affected, but it was far from houses.
“The flames were put under control yesterday with two water tanker machines that have five fire-fighters each.
“Currently five firefighters are handling the area trying to subdue the smoke.
“Unfortunately weather conditions are not favourable and the wind is making things extremely difficult,” he said.
Resident Cathy McIntyre said: “Because of the fire houses were full of smoke and some home-owners have asthma.
“Others have complained about chest problems as well.
“It is unbearable. Everything smells of smoke.”
The fire also affected trade for some of the businesses running near the site.
An employee at TJ’s Joinery, who identified herself as Joan, said they had closed shop by 12pm on Wednesday because of the density of the smoke.
“The smoke was thick. You could hardly see anything from across the street. Our workers were also complaining about tight chests. They were coughing and eyes were watery. It was just horrific,” she said. — ziphon@dispatch.co.za
Burning refuse has residents choked up
Residents and businesses complained of the smoke blanketing the area, while those wanting to dump garden refuse were also unhappy. When the Daily Dispatch arrived at the site yesterday, motorists there to dump their rubbish were being turned away.
Basil Bosch from Selborne said the closure was an inconvenience.
“This is closest dumpsite to where I live.
“Now I will have to drive to the Amalinda tip, which is not entirely safe either,” said Bosch.
Buffalo City Metro spokesman Thandy Matebese said the fire started on Wednesday around 7.30am and that a large area had been affected, but it was far from houses.
“The flames were put under control yesterday with two water tanker machines that have five fire-fighters each.
“Currently five firefighters are handling the area trying to subdue the smoke.
“Unfortunately weather conditions are not favourable and the wind is making things extremely difficult,” he said.
Resident Cathy McIntyre said: “Because of the fire houses were full of smoke and some home-owners have asthma.
“Others have complained about chest problems as well.
“It is unbearable. Everything smells of smoke.”
The fire also affected trade for some of the businesses running near the site.
An employee at TJ’s Joinery, who identified herself as Joan, said they had closed shop by 12pm on Wednesday because of the density of the smoke.
“The smoke was thick. You could hardly see anything from across the street. Our workers were also complaining about tight chests. They were coughing and eyes were watery. It was just horrific,” she said. — ziphon@dispatch.co.za
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