WATCH: Firefighters evacuate 70 as Edenvale CBD fire brought under control
Two private firefighters injured during response to blaze near Van Riebeeck Avenue and Ninth Street. The cause of the fire is under investigations.
Firefighters remain on scene following a fire that broke out in the Edenvale CBD this morning.
According to the City of Ekurhuleni’s DEMS spokesperson, William Ntladi, the fire occurred at a business near the corner of Van Riebeeck Avenue and Ninth Street.
Also read: WATCH: Fire breaks out at business in Edenvale CBD
Firefighters from the Edenvale Fire Station responded to the scene after noticing smoke billowing into the air.
“When firefighters arrived, they found the structure well alight and conducted a risk assessment,” said Ntladi.
@bedfordview.edenv 🚒 William Ntladi explains what happened during today’s fire on Van Riebeeck Avenue in the Edenvale CBD. Firefighters evacuated 70 employees and brought the blaze under control. #EdenvaleFire 🔥
He said three attack lines were initially set up to combat the blaze, while approximately 70 employees were evacuated from the building.
Additional firefighters from the Bedfordview Fire Station, Primrose Fire Station, Kempton Park Fire Station and Albertina Sisulu Corridor Fire Station also responded to assist.
A private firefighting service supported the operation.
Ntladi confirmed that two private firefighters were injured when a wall collapsed on them.
“The pair sustained moderate injuries and were treated on scene before being transported to a nearby hospital,” he said.
Although smoke is still rising from the structure, Ntladi said the fire is currently under control and firefighters are working to cool down remaining hotspots.
He added that apart from the two injured firefighters, no other injuries have been reported.
Van Riebeeck Avenue remains closed between Ninth Street and Tenth Street. Authorities expect the road to reopen within several hours.
