Parliament fire flare-up contained on day 2
The flare-up fire that broke out late on Monday at the National Assembly has been contained.
Firefighters have spent over 48-hours in the Parliamentary precinct since Sunday morning when parts of the historic structure in Cape Town was engulfed by flames.
It’s understood wind fanned the fire smouldering beneath the fifth floor of the National Assembly, igniting fresh flames that burnt through the night and into Tuesday morning.
By then, thick clouds of smoke could still be seen billowing from the white building.
Drone images of the chambers show pockets of flames with parts of the roof collapsed.
Drone footage of day 2 of the #ParliamentFire shows thick clouds of smoke billowing from the National Assembly while firefighters battle fresh flames. #ParliamentAttack pic.twitter.com/yDWNXPtwU6
— Nokukhanya ‘Siri’ Mntambo (@khanya_mntambo) January 4, 2022
The city of Cape Town’s fire and rescue spokesperson, Jermaine Carelse says while the situation is currently under control, 4 teams are still on standby for further flare-ups.
“The weather report said there is a just light breeze south-westerly wind so that will help work in our favour,” says Carelse.
“At the moment, nothing is smouldering and nothing is burning.”
The fire has left the country gobsmacked, with little clarity about how it started.
The 49-year-old man arrested at the scene on Sunday is set to make his first court appearance at the Cape Town Magistrates Court on Tuesday.
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