Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS) is urging businesses in Nigel and Heidelberg to reinforce their fire safety practices and ensure employees understand essential prevention procedures this festive season.

DEMS spokesperson William Ntladi said workplaces often experience increased fire risks during the holiday period due to reduced staff members and relaxed vigilance.

“We encourage all businesses in Nigel and Heidelberg to prioritise fire safety awareness. Our teams respond professionally to emergencies, but prevention is always the most effective measure. Employers and employees must understand the basics of fire behaviour and safety procedures, especially during this busy season,” he said.

Ntladi added that fire can ignite and spread rapidly if conditions are favourable.

“A fire needs heat, fuel, and oxygen. When these combine with a chemical reaction, what we call the fire tetrahedron, a blaze can develop very quickly. Understanding these principles already reduces the likelihood of workplace fires. Businesses must also clear dry vegetation around perimeter fences as this simple step can prevent veld fires from spreading into business premises, especially during non- operational hours.”

Essential fire-safety measures for businesses:

• Keep work areas clean and free of waste.

• Separate ignition sources from flammable substances.

• Use designated smoking areas placed safely away from buildings.

• Avoid leaving cooking appliances unattended.

• Install smoke detection and fire alarm systems.

• Avoid unauthorised electrical connections.

• Ensure fire extinguishers are suited to the building’s risk profile.

• Store chemicals in sealed containers and avoid mixing them.

• Keep exits, corridors and doors clear at all times.

Ntladi also encouraged businesses to familiarise employees with the different classes of fire so they can use the correct extinguishers.

• Class A: Solids such as wood, paper and plastics.

• Class B: Flammable liquids

• Class C: Flammable gases

• Class D: Metals

• Class E: Electrical fires involving wiring appliances.