An inferno that broke out Monday at Save the Nation industries located in Thorngrove, Bulawayo destroyed cotton bales worth ZWL$100 000.
The fire is suspected to have been caused by burning embers from a nearby bonfire.
According to Bulawayo City Council (BCC) acting chief fire officer, Linos Phiri said the cotton bales were destroyed in the fire.
“The bales of cotton outside and under the zinc shade were found well alight, fire spreading to the main structure,” said Phiri.
He said they also noticed poor housekeeping as the cotton bales were placed near sawdust and timber in various sizes.
“There was bonfire within the vicinity of the cotton bales. Several tenants were operating from the same premises,” he said.
Phiri said the brigade used two hose reels and two jets from the emergency tender.
“We also used water supply augmented from carrier one and a council water bowser which had been requested to boost water supplies,” said Phiri.
