A mysterious lava-like fire has scientists from the Council for Geoscience scrambling to Limpopo to investigate the mysterious substance that has reportedly injured three people after burning unabated for three weeks at Zaaiplaas Village in Sehlakwane. Reports indicate that back in July the Limpopo Provincial Disaster Management Centre (PDMC) received a telephone call from the Sekhukune District Municipality regarding the emergence of unusual fire, mud and grey ash in a damp wetland area on the outskirts of the village.
Excerpt From Times Live:
The fire has steadily burnt through an area larger than a rugby field, transforming the wetland into what looks like an active volcanic field. A community member, Mbusi Ka-Mphezulu, posted photos on Facebook of a lava-like substance glowing from underneath the ground. “While we were doing ANC work this is what we saw, the ground is on fire. It is like a volcano. People of Sehlakwane please take note of this unusual stuff,” said Ka-Mphezulu.
I would like to mention it that my domestic help Sophy Masombuka gave me the photo that her son has taken of the lava like substance at Zaaiplaas. I then forwarded it to a officer at the Department of Mineral and Energy Mpumalanga. I feel that she should be recognised in revealing the strong evidence that could be fatal for many people. I have the message plus the photo that was sent on Monday to the officer.Her contact details is 076 453 7819.
In some parts of the world, peat excavated from bogs, is dried and used as a fuel. It would appear that a similar substance has dried naturally in the bog, due to low rainfall and has been ignited. This material, being protected by a layer of earth, would be very difficult to extinguish.