POTCHEFSTROOM, NW 11 August 2012, 14:00
A 67 year old man sustained multiple burn wounds to his face and hands after he was trying to protect his farm on Wilgeboom in Potchefstroom from raging fires.
It is understood that the man was busy trying to contain the blaze on a veld near his property when the wind changed. Bystanders that assisted the elderly man called paramedics from ER24 to the scene. He was treated on the scene before rushed off to Mediclinic Pothcefstroom for further medical management. The elderly man was transported in a stable condition.
It is understood that raging fires destroyed several properties and live stock in August 2011. Farm owners explained that they are trying to avoid the same thing from happening again but battling to contain the fires due to strong winds in the area.
The local fire department and police are assisting the people in the area. It is understood that several fires are still raging in the Potchefstroom area.
[Picture attached: Fires in the vicinity of Wilgeboom in Potchefstroom]
Werner Vermaak