A chalet gutted by a fire at Olifants Rest Camp in the Kruger National Park. Picture: SANParks/Facebook
Guests at Olifants Rest Camp had to be evacuated and relocated to nearby rest camps after a fire broke out at the camp on the evening of October 14 at the Kruger National Park in Mpumalanga and Limpopo.
According to a statement released by South African National Parks (SANParks), though the fire was contained, it proved impossible to remove the belongings of guests and three chalets were evacuated.
In a video shared to the social media platform, TikTok, the three chalets can be seen severely gutted by the fire.
@curt_is_wild Allegedly someone didn't put their fire out ?😮 #fire #kruger ♬ original sound - Curt Is Wild
This fire is just one of two fire incidents reported to have occurred at the park last night. The first fire occurred at Satara Rest Camp, where embers from a braai fire landed on the thatch roof of a chalet setting it alight.
SANParks said that the fire was quickly contained before spreading to other structures and that a similar incident occurred at Olifants Rest Camp.
“The park is experiencing hot, windy, and dry weather conditions; and visitors are urged to extinguish braai fires immediately after utilization for purposes such as cooking food.
“This will greatly minimize the possible risk of fire with its consequent damage to structures and the environment,” said SANParks.
The authority also extended its gratitude to the emergency response teams, rangers and Phalaborwa Fire Brigade for their speedy response and assistance which diligently rescued the situation.
As the festive and peak travel season approaches with the park expecting an increased number of visitors, SANParks has appealed to travellers to be cautious when using braai facilities at the park.
“For your own safety as well as that of your loved ones, other guests, users and our environment, we appeal for your partnership in avoiding the flaring up of fires. Immediately after use please extinguish the fire and never leave it unattended,” said SANParks.