CAPE TOWN - A ward councillor in Nelson Mandela Bay said its fire department was investigating a few recent fires to hopefully rule out foul play.

On Wednesday, firefighters were called to extinguish a tree which was on fire in Humewood.

Ward 2 councillor, Sean Tappan, said that while no injuries or damage to property was reported, it’s still unclear how the fire started.
 
"There are a number of fires in the area we have picked up one or two during the previous two weeks, especially, the palm trees along the beachfront. One opposite the Marine Hotel was set on fire."

He added that the fires seemed to be becoming a trend in the Nelson Mandela Bay area. 

"Today and yesterday, there are three separate fires at the back of Forest Hill by the airport, on the Waterworks Road and then also one closer to Maranatha Children's Home."

Tappan added that while fires were expected during summer, vigilance was essential.

"Unfortunately, we have incidents like this. Also, with this extremely high temperatures that we've got, any of the broken glass magnifies and can cause fires as well. But we're keeping a close eye, just to make sure that there isn't any untoward behaviour." By Dideka Njemla, EWN