EMS reports no casualties after fire engulfed a Riverside home

Videos of the incident started doing rounds with residents wondering what caused the blaze.

February 2, 2025

Ditiro Masuku 1 minute read

Flames engulfed a house in Riverside. Photo: Koketso Maimela.

A fire swept through a house in one of the blocks in Riverside, just outside Fourways, early this morning, allegedly caused by an electrical fault.

Koketso Maimela, one of the witnesses said it was around 07:30 when he heard people screaming for help after noticing a cloud of smoke.

He said he is still traumatised by what he saw and feels unsafe as the houses are very close to each other, meaning more families could’ve been affected.

Inside the house after the fire broke out. Photo: Koketso Maimela.

“The owners of the house left for work in Fourways and possibly left one of their heating gadgets switched on – that could have been what started the fire.”

He said the residents did most of the work with buckets full of water to put it out as the emergency services only arrived at around 08:30.

@caxtonjoburgnorth Riverside residents were forced to run with buckets full of water to put out a fire that ravaged a two-bedroom home on January 30. #firefighter #safetyfirst ♬ original sound – Caxton Joburg North

EMS Firefighters media spokesperson, Xolile Khumalo said they responded to a fire incident call in Riverside at 08:02 this morning.

“On arrival, they found a two-bedroom flat on fire. The fire was completely extinguished, and no casualties were reported.

“The suspected cause of the fire is an electrical fault. We continue to urge the residents of Johannesburg to switch off all electrical appliances after use.”

Khumalo urges residents to call electricians when plugs are faulty or tripping to avoid incidents.