Germiston shop destroyed in early morning blaze
The DEMS recorded no casualties and said dogs found on the property were unharmed by the fire.
A Germiston businessman lost his shop on 43 Rand Road to a fire on May 5.
The DEMS responded to a call about a structural fire from its call centre at 05:27.
The primary responding crews were from the Germiston Central Fire Station, backed by Boksburg Central.
After a scene risk assessment by the crew commander, Alberton activated more backup to bring a fire engine to the scene. On its arrival, the flames had already protruded through the roof.
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DEMS spokesperson William Ntladi said they had to use forcible entry tools to cut through roller shutter doors and access the shop’s interior.
“Unfortunately, after cutting the door, there was another solid steel door inside, which they had to battle as well, and they experienced the same challenges,” said Ntladi.
“While trying to use the rear section of the shop, they were faced with two vicious dogs. However, they ultimately accessed the shop and started an offensive flame suppression strategy.
The interior was already damaged, and the contents were burnt. As per information received, it was a snack shop, and the blaze consumed everything.
“Thirteen firefighters were in attendance, augmented by three fire engines. Operationally, the crews connected from a nearby fire hydrant for a sustained water supply till the end,” said Ntladi.
“No casualties were recorded. The pets found at the back of the shop were unharmed.
“Even the structures built in the shop’s proximity were saved and only suffered smoke damage. Strategically, they were cooled off while other firefighters were busy with the forcible entry.
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“Unfortunately, the structure sustained extensive damage and all the business stock inside burnt down. No hazardous chemical was found in the presence of firefighters and during active firefighting, ” said Ntladi.
“The cause of this incident is undetermined and a subject of investigation. Some advice to the business community: Security is understandable, but the huge, thick, solid metal doors behind the roller shutter doors contributed immensely to delays in finding the seat of the fire.
“Fire can be caused by many other phenomena. It can be deliberate or accidental. Accidental can be through heating, cooking and lighting sources, and the fourth might be through a spontaneous chemical reaction,” said Ntladi.
“Fire and the EMS continuously engage communities by giving them free basic awareness training, either by visiting them at home or inviting them to the fire stations.
“The main objective is to build resilient communities regarding fire safety and disaster management,” said Ntladi.
