Shack fire claims one life in Phola Park
A fatal fire in Phola Park has raised renewed concerns about fire safety as temperatures continue to drop across the province.
A devastating shack fire in Phola Park Extension 5 in Thokoza claimed the life of an adult in the early hours of Sunday morning.
DEMS Media and Liaison Officer Maswati Mdluli said the emergency control centre received the call at 03:19 when reports came in about a shack on fire.
“Upon arrival, firefighters from the Thokoza Fire Station found a two-and-a-half-room shack ablaze.
“Community members were already assisting in extinguishing the fire, and firefighters took control of the scene and aggressively fought the flames,” Mdluli explained.
Once it was extinguished, search and rescue efforts began.
The body of an adult burned to ashes was found, and Gauteng paramedics declared the individual deceased at the scene.
The scene has been handed over to SAPS for further investigation.
Mdluli urged residents to exercise extreme caution when using heating appliances during the colder period.
She said appliances should always be handled safely and only in the presence of a responsible adult.
He added that for all life-threatening emergencies, the Ekurhuleni Emergency Control Centre can be reached at 011 458 0911.
