05 Jan Fresh blaze in South Africa’s parliament chamber

The blaze that has already levelled South Africa’s main Parliament chamber has once again flared up, driven by the wind according to the experts.

The fire originally broke out on Sunday and collapsed the roof of the New Wing which housed the lower chamber National Assembly, and partially collapsed the roof of the Old Wing.

Over 70 firefighters were swiftly deployed to tackle Sunday’s fire and by Monday the number of fire fighters remaining had fallen to just a dozen, who were charged with dealing with the hotspots that remained.

On Monday, a spokesperson for the local fire services confirmed that the roof sheeting of the National Assembly was on fire.

In a tweet from Head of Communications for the parliament, Moloto Mothapo, read: “Unfortunately after almost two days of brave battle with the flames in the National Assembly Building, more fire has just been fanned up. Firefighters remain at the scene and are continuing with the fight to bring the fire under control.”

A suspect has already been charged with arson and other offences. On Friday, a preliminary report is expected into the potential costs and timelines for what is likely to be a costly and lengthy refurbishment.