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Fire scare at Nust as blaze threatens campus buildings
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Panic gripped the National University of Science and Technology (Nust) in Bulawayo yesterday morning after a raging grass fire swept towards key buildings, threatening infrastructure worth millions of US dollars.
The blaze, suspected to have been started by a reckless individual outside the campus, broke out at the nearby Zimbabwe School of Mines before heavy winds pushed it into Nust grounds.
Bulawayo Chief Fire Officer, Mhlangano Moyo, said his team raced against time to protect critical facilities. "We received the call at around 9:30am to the effect that there was grass fire within the Zimbabwe School of Mines grounds and due to strong winds we had the fire spread to Nust," he said.
The fire brigade split into two teams, one containing the flames at the School of Mines while the other defended Nust. "The fire was getting worse due to the heavy winds. I'm grateful and proud that the brigade managed to contain the fire. Nothing was burnt, and quite a number of valuable items were saved," Moyo added.
When B-Metro visited the scene, a vast expanse of land lay charred just metres from the administration block, where Econet and NetOne boosters are installed. Swift action spared critical spots including the ethanol plant, chemical block, transport workshop, hostels and the campus clinic.
Moyo said four fire engines and 25 firefighters were mobilised to subdue the blaze. Students and staff looked on anxiously as smoke billowed, before relief came when the flames were finally contained.
The blaze, suspected to have been started by a reckless individual outside the campus, broke out at the nearby Zimbabwe School of Mines before heavy winds pushed it into Nust grounds.
Bulawayo Chief Fire Officer, Mhlangano Moyo, said his team raced against time to protect critical facilities. "We received the call at around 9:30am to the effect that there was grass fire within the Zimbabwe School of Mines grounds and due to strong winds we had the fire spread to Nust," he said.
The fire brigade split into two teams, one containing the flames at the School of Mines while the other defended Nust. "The fire was getting worse due to the heavy winds. I'm grateful and proud that the brigade managed to contain the fire. Nothing was burnt, and quite a number of valuable items were saved," Moyo added.
When B-Metro visited the scene, a vast expanse of land lay charred just metres from the administration block, where Econet and NetOne boosters are installed. Swift action spared critical spots including the ethanol plant, chemical block, transport workshop, hostels and the campus clinic.
Moyo said four fire engines and 25 firefighters were mobilised to subdue the blaze. Students and staff looked on anxiously as smoke billowed, before relief came when the flames were finally contained.
Source - The Chronicle
