Who Got A Match? Burning Down The House: South Africa's House of Parliament Burns Down........


South Africa parliament fire flares up again 

A devastating fire which swept through South Africa's parliament in Cape Town reignited just hours after it was said to be under control. Flames were seen billowing from the building's roof on Monday, as firefighters tried to douse the blaze. The fire first broke out on Sunday and completely destroyed the National Assembly, or lower chamber. Police have arrested a suspect who will appear in court on Tuesday on charges of arson, housebreaking and theft. Authorities had warned that flare-ups would be possible because of carpets and wooden floors in the building, with parliamentary spokesman Moloto Mathapo telling South Africa's TimesLive some firefighters had "worked throughout the night" to try and prevent further blazes. But just 12 firefighters were on site when the wind reignited wood above the National Assembly on Monday, according to news agency AFP. Despite reinforcements being sent, flames could still be seen emerging from the building as night fell. Source

 

South Africa parliament: Man arrested over massive fire 

 A man has been arrested after a large fire severely damaged the Houses of Parliament in the South African city of Cape Town. The suspect, who is not a parliamentary employee, will appear in court on Tuesday, facing charges of arson, housebreaking and theft, police said. Firefighters worked for hours to extinguish the blaze. President Cyril Ramaphosa called it a "terrible and devastating event", as he vowed parliament's work would continue. Footage from the scene on Sunday showed a plume of black smoke filling the sky, with huge flames coming out from the roof of the building. Officials say the fire started on the third floor offices and quickly spread to the National Assembly (the parliament's lower house) chamber, reports the BBC's Nomsa Maseko in Cape Town. The parliament is not currently in session because of the holidays, and no-one was injured. However the building is home to thousands of treasures including historic books, photographs and important works of art. There is particular concern that the valuable Keiskamma Tapestry, which is 120m (394ft) long and documents South Africa's history, may have been damaged or destroyed. Source

  

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