Shacks destroyed after paraffin explosion

Disaster management was able to help the destitute after the accident, while emergency management determined that a paraffin stove explosion was to blame.

Emergency Management Services aims to reduce shack fires, and the entity has annual pre-Winter workshops to lessen these incidents at informal settlements.

According to a press statement from the Department of Emergency Management, research has shown that in informal settlements residents tend to disregard fire safety by warming themselves using primus stoves and braziers (mbawulas) – and often fall asleep while these heating instruments are still lit. Alcohol use has also been cited as an aggravator.

In case of fire emergencies residents should phone 10177 or 112.