A fire gutted bathroom facilities at Drommedaris Primary in Reiger Park on February 10.

A gardener who was cleaning nearby during teaching hours reportedly noticed smoke coming from the bathrooms and immediately alerted school management.

The learners were then moved to a safer area within the school premises, and classes were subsequently suspended for the remainder of the day as a precaution.

Spokesperson of the City of Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS), William Ntladi, confirmed they dispatched firefighting resources to the scene.

“On arrival, firefighters found a section of the school engulfed in flames, posing a serious threat to the administration block and nearby classrooms.
“Firefighting teams from Boksburg Central, Germiston and Vosloorus fire stations responded, with 20 firefighters and four fire engines attending the scene.”

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He said a locker room located at the back of the school’s ablution facilities was also on fire. Books and large quantities of unused paper were among the materials that were burning.

“Firefighters managed to contain the blaze using two attack lines connected directly to the fire engines, preventing it from spreading to adjacent buildings.
“Damping down procedures were conducted to eliminate the risk of reignition, and an all-clear was later declared,” he said.

Ntladi said the exact cause of the fire is still unknown.
“No injuries or fatalities were reported. Although the entire school complex was initially at risk, the swift response ensured that damage was kept to a minimum.”

In a letter shared by the school to parents, they confirmed that the affected section has been cordoned off as a precautionary measure.
The school expressed appreciation to the School Governing Body, first responders and community leaders for their swift support.
Normal classes resumed, and the cause of the fire is being investigated.

Also Read: Unexplained fire hits local school