A devastating shack fire ripped through a home in Olievenhoutbosch Extension 25, Centurion, early yesterday morning, killing a family of five as flames engulfed their dwelling before firefighters could save them.

According to Pretoria Rekord, this includes three children aged nine to 16 and a senior citizen.

City of Tshwane Emergency Services Department spokesperson Lindsay Zwelithini Mnguni confirms the incident.

“The incident was reported to our Emergency Communication Centre at about 05:04, and firefighting resources were immediately dispatched from Heuweloord Fire Station and Centurion Fire Station to the scene. These included two fire engines and a water tanker.”

He says that when firefighters arrived, they found the fire had already destroyed the four-roomed shack dwelling.

“Sadly, five family members, including a senior citizen, one adult and three minors, were fatally burned by the devastating fire. The firefighters continued to extinguish the fire as it was still smouldering.”

Mnguni says various role-players, including their fire safety section, disaster risk management section, Gauteng Emergency Medical Services, SAPS, Gauteng Forensic Pathology Services, Gauteng crime prevention wardens and community leaders, were also on scene and worked together to assist with incident management.

“Tshwane Emergency Services Department urges communities to remain vigilant and be cautious during winter to prevent and eliminate incidents of this nature that can have a disastrous effect on families and the community.”

To report any fire or rescue incident, members of the public are encouraged to call 107 toll-free or 012 358 6300/6400.

He adds that when reporting an emergency, members of the public should remain calm, speak clearly, know where they are to give the correct address, and provide their correct contact number to allow the operator to call back if needed.

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