Mysterious fire burns in Harare

A mysterious fire is burning in Harare's low density suburb of Borrowdale.

It is along the small stream in the Borrowdale area near the police station where the fire, which squatters believe should not be taken lightly, is slowly becoming a concern for the residents in the area.

While it might be improper to be quick to think of it as a volcano, squatters said authorities must act quickly just as must be done when a country is hit by a disaster.

An academic, who requested anonymity as his university denies them right to speak to journalists, ruled out a volcano but said the burning flames might be coming from the underground, similar to situations that lead to the formation of hot springs.

He said geographical surveys should be expected when the fire stops.

Some squatters had their own version of the story.

"The flames are coming from the underground. If you come at night, you see a chamber of fire from a distance and the ground looks like a burning brick oven," said one squatter.

"I have lived here for six years and it has always been like this. During the rainy season the fire disappears but after that it starts. It is as if it has a connection with the sun," said another.

People moving near the area were warned to be cautious as they don't know the size of the chamber that has created this burning or the pressure building from the underground.

Residents said only last week, a child was badly burnt when she stepped on the burning ground without noticing and was rushed to hospital.

It is a wonder in the sleepy suburb of Borrowdale, which even members of the police could not resist as they joined the ZBC News crew to get a glimpse of the spectacle.