Germiston building fire injures firefighter, Displaces more than 50

More than 50 residents have been left destitute after a fire broke out at a hijacked double-storey building in Germiston on Tuesday, August 18.

The fire occurred at the corner of Victoria and Knox roads at approximately 13:30, prompting a response from Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS) rescue and firefighting teams from Germiston, Bedfordview, Vosloorus and Alberton.

According to DEMS media liaison Eric Maloka, firefighters arrived to find the hijacked building well alight, with more than 50 informal structures erected inside the building.

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Firefighters immediately began operations to contain and extinguish the blaze.

“One of the tenants told officials that residents had been without electricity and were reportedly using alternative sources for heating. However, the exact cause of the fire has not yet been determined,” said Maloka.

During the firefighting operation, one firefighter sustained minor injuries and was transported to Netcare Alberton Hospital for medical assessment and treatment.

DEMS Fire Safety officials were called to the scene to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fire.

DEMS officials were also notified to assess the damage and determine the impact on affected residents.

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Maloka said many of the residents had been left destitute following the fire.

“The incident has again highlighted the challenges associated with overcrowded and hijacked buildings, particularly where residents may resort to alternative sources of heating and lighting,” said Maloka.

Residents are reminded that life-threatening emergencies and fires can be reported to the City of Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Services on 011 458 0911.