A WOMAN was rescued from a smoke-filled building where she was trapped, after a fire broke out at a property at 58 Umbilo Road on Wednesday evening (October 14). She was reportedly treated on the scene for smoke inhalation.

Firefighters were reportedly able to prevent the fire from spreading to neighbouring properties along Umbilo and Che Guevara Roads.

Ethekwini Municipality spokesperson, Senzelwe Mzila said the City’s Emergency Call Centre received reports around 20:20.
“On arrival the firefighter found both storeys of the building alight. The ground floor houses a tyre fitment centre with stored tyres, while a church occupies the upper floor,” Mzila said.

“Working through intense heat, thick smoke, and highly combustible material, firefighters entered the building and rescued a woman trapped inside the church. She was treated on scene for smoke inhalation and taken to hospital for further care. Crews brought the blaze under control within 10 minutes of arrival and prevented it from spreading to neighbouring properties. No fatalities or further injuries were reported,” added Mzila.

Mzila said the preliminary information suggested that an incendiary device may have been thrown at the building, and fire investigators remained on scene to establish the cause and origin of the fire.

To report fires and other emergencies, residents can contact the City’s Emergency Call Centre on 031 361 0000. Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact the South African Police Service (SAPS).

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