DEMS warns Ekurhuleni residents of winter fire dangers in new safety initiative
With temperatures expected to drop, the campaign focuses on prevention, emergency readiness, and community involvement to reduce incidents and protect lives and property.
DEMS is continuing its winter safety awareness campaigns throughout the City of Ekurhuleni (CoE).
These campaigns aim to alert residents and communities across the city to the risks associated with varying winter weather patterns and conditions.
Winter is characterised by extremely cold weather, with temperatures often dropping to minimal levels and, in some instances, reaching sub-zero levels with the possibility of snowfall.
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According to DEMS spokesperson William Ntladi, such conditions can have negative effects on lives, human settlements, infrastructure, and essential services, often placing strain on municipal operations and local economic systems.
“These conditions require heightened alertness from disaster and emergency services to minimise the impact of potential incidents.
“Increasing public awareness and focus on fire safety helps preserve lives and property. Resilient communities are reflected in lower incident rates,” said Ntladi.
“Awareness and informed communities play a vital role in driving behavioural change. It’s important that communities know how to respond during fire incidents before firefighters arrive, as this can significantly reduce structural damage and save lives,” he added.
Ntladi explained that the main causes of fires are often accidental or deliberate. Preventative measures are a key pillar of the campaign, which focuses on promoting safety practices.
“The campaign highlights the leading causes of fire incidents, including heating, lighting, and cooking appliances. Another major cause of fires is negligence—such as starting fires outdoors and leaving them unattended.
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Veld fires, according to fire brigade services, are a common type of fire that leads to loss of life and damage to infrastructure.
“Due to dense vegetation, discarded cigarette butts are also a contributing factor to veld fires. Near major routes, these fires can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of fatal pile-ups,” said Ntladi.
He emphasised that fire service response alone is not enough without the active support of the community.
“It is critical to alert emergency professionals immediately upon identifying a potential disaster or life-threatening situation. Delaying response by attempting to resolve it first can cost valuable time,” he concluded.
For public information, education, and relations enquiries, community members are encouraged to contact 011 999 5491.
