Gerdview woman praised for swift action in house fire

Gerdview resident Klariska Herrmann took bold action to face a burning building and ended up being the hero of the day.

She explained her bravery in moving towards the blazing house to help put out the flames.

On a normal evening, a house nearby caught fire, and the flames were visible from a distance on July 29.

Herrmann said that when she saw the flames, she quickly grabbed her household fire extinguisher and rushed to the property.
She jumped over the locked gate to get into the yard while other community members stood by.

ALSO READ: One dead as shack fire destroys 12 homes in Germiston’s Marathon informal settlement

She recalls telling someone in the yard to open the gate so others could come in and help, but no one did.

“The building was fully engulfed by flames. It took about 30 minutes to put the fire out completely. By the time the firefighters arrived, the fire was already out.”

“I fought the fire with help from a man living on the property to prevent it from spreading to nearby trees and neighbours,” said Herrmann.

Herrmann wants to raise community awareness about fire safety.

ALSO READ: Shack fire in Germiston’s Marathon informal settlement leaves 33 homeless

She mentioned the occupants of the house looked tipsy and were unsure what to do when the fire started.

“There were about 10 people on the property when I got there, and they were all familiar faces,” she recalls.

“There was a dog in the yard; I believe it also needed protection.”

Herrmann notes that house fires in the community are worrisome, such as a previous fire in Turnhout Avenue that led to the loss of lives.

Most fires could be avoided if the community were aware of fire dangers and hazards.

“Having a fire extinguisher in the kitchen can be lifesaving. What’s deeply concerning is that this fire was entirely preventable. The residents involved are known for lighting large fires almost nightly.

“On this occasion, they pushed beyond reason, and the result was a near disaster. Many of them appeared intoxicated and were in no state to act quickly or responsibly.

“I am grateful that I was able to step in before the fire could cause even greater damage to nearby homes, but not everyone may be as fortunate.

“This incident has reinforced for me just how crucial it is for every household to have a fire extinguisher. In moments like this, quick access to one can make the difference between a controlled emergency and devastating loss. I urge our community to take fire safety seriously.

“Please don’t wait for a close call to act. Be prepared and protect your home, your family, and your neighbours,” said Herrmann.
Herrmann has a basic medical aid certificate level 1.

Structural fires in Germiston are a concern, especially with the City of Ekurhuleni’s DEMS cautioning the community to exercise caution with fires.

Recent incidents like fires at the Marathon informal settlement have led to loss of lives, which is worrying.

ALSO READ: Shack fire in Germiston’s Marathon informal settlement leaves 33 homeless

On August 6, three more backyard rooms were destroyed in a morning blaze.

The fire department reported that backyard residential rooms in Germiston were gutted by fire, with quick action from emergency services preventing the flames from spreading to nearby homes.

“The rooms in King Street, Germiston, were destroyed in a fire at around 08:00.”

DEMS spokesperson William Ntladi said he spotted the smoke from a distance and followed it to the source.

“On arrival, the three rooms were already well alight. Emergency resources were activated and swiftly dispatched to the scene.

“Firefighters set up two attack lines and began suppressing the blaze. The fire, which started in one room, quickly spread to the others. Crews worked to prevent the flames from reaching the main house and a nearby block of flats.

“No casualties were reported. The cause of the fire is still unknown and remains under investigation,” said Ntladi.