Overstrand Municipality tackles arson as fires rage across WC

THE Overstrand Municipality has confirmed the arrest of three suspects following an arson incident near the Stanford graveyard, as authorities grapple with an unprecedented fire season that has caused widespread damage across the Western Cape.

- MURRAY SWART

Municipal manager Dean O'Neill said the municipality has been battling an unusually high number of fires since November, with thousands of hectares burned and severe losses suffered by farmers, businesses and community organisations. He said the scale and frequency of the fires have raised serious concern that some incidents may not have occurred naturally.

O'Neill said the municipality has offered a reward for information leading to the arrest and successful prosecution of those responsible for deliberately starting fires. He confirmed that on Monday at about 7.30pm, a member of the public noticed smoke near the Stanford graveyard, investigated the source and alerted law enforcement.