Uncontrolled fires? - 24 August 2007

Uncontrolled fires?

The recent spate of uncalled for fires have left some South Africans mourning the loss of loved ones and valuable property.

For Radio Khwezi listeners I believe that it will not be easy to forget the distressed voice of an old woman from Ekwazini, just a few kilometres from KSB. She and two other women tried to fight a fire that was approaching their homestead in great fury. When she realised that the flames could engulf them she told the others to flee for their lives. Unfortunately it was too late for the other two; the old woman heard the haunting cries as the merciless flames covered and devoured them.

In Eshowe, the grandchildren of an old man had to restrain him as he tried to rush into a burning hut to rescue his wife. The children knew that would be fatal for the grandfather too.

Many hearts were broken when they heard about the charred bodies of tiny toddler twins who died in each other's arms in the South Coast of our province.

These incidents reminded me of a near-tragedy in our family in the late 60s. One afternoon a woman walking past our home noticed that there was smoke coming out of our hut. She rushed into the hut and was shocked to discover three of my younger siblings sitting at the far back of the hut. She pulled them out just on time before the hut was gutted down by the fire. When the three (By the way, they had thought it was great fun when they started playing with fire) were asked why they did not flee from the burning hut they said that they had decided to wait until the fire had burned out.

Who are responsible for the devastating fires? Investigations are on but the most likely culprits are people who are extremely irresponsible by playing with fire in the current dry and windy weather conditions.

What would drive people to seek fun in 'games' that end in tragedies?

Our main chaplain at Dlangezwa High School in the 70s, Rev Mpanza, had an interesting analysis to the question above. He told us that the devil uses anyone and everyone where he can, from the simplest to the most sophisticated. He dishes out his tasks according to a person's capability. To the feeble-minded he just shows a box of matches and dry grass; that is a simple enough instruction for them to carry out - and the consequences are disastrous!

In a sense these fires are not really uncontrolled. The old destroyer is laughing his lungs out as he monitors the outcome of his diabolical actions.

"The thief cometh not, but that he may steal, and kill, and destroy: I came that they may have life, and may have it abundantly." (John 10:10)

Have a blessed weekend.
 
Pressing on!
 
In His love
 
Fano Sibisi