Premier Hotel, situated adjacent to OR Tambo International Airport in Kempton Park, was spared major devastation following a fire on the evening of February 11, thanks to the swift response of City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) firefighters.

According to CoE Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS) spokesperson William Ntladi, a well-alight structural fire was reported via the life-threatening emergency call centre at 23:20.

Firefighting resources were immediately dispatched to the scene.

“Two primary responding fire station crews from Albertina Sisulu and Kempton Park were supported by additional crews from Farrarmere and Boksburg’s Leon Ferreira fire stations,” said Ntladi.

On arrival, firefighters found a significant portion of the eight-storey hotel building engulfed in smoke. While some crews assisted with the ongoing evacuation of guests and staff, others began fire suppression operations.

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“Flames were visible on the seventh floor, placing the entire upper level at high risk. Firefighters connected hoses to the building’s wet riser water pipeline system to effectively combat the blaze.

“During firefighting operations, one guest was rescued from a balcony window on the seventh floor. A secondary search and rescue operation was conducted to ensure all occupants were accounted for.

“A roll call confirmed that all 158 guests and 23 staff members were safely evacuated to the assembly point,” Ntladi confirmed.

Two guests, aged 60 and 41, were treated for smoke inhalation by paramedics on scene and declined hospitalisation.

The start of the fire was identified as one of the guest rooms on the seventh floor. The fire had spread rapidly to adjacent rooms and posed a threat to the floor above.

“Although investigations are ongoing, it is alleged that an electrical short circuit from a wall plug, where a portable appliance was connected, may have caused the fire,” said Ntladi.

Fire crews ventilated the entire building using a Positive Pressure Ventilator (PPV) system to clear smoke from the premises. Eleven guest rooms sustained significant smoke damage.

Information gathered on site indicated that the hotel was approximately 50% occupied at the time of the incident.

Investigations will continue to determine the exact cause of the fire.