WATCH: SA Breweries depot in Soweto goes up in flames

The blaze reportedly began when grass in a nearby field caught fire.

SA Breweries depot in Soweto goes up in flames. Picture: The Citizen/Shaun Holland

Residents have been urged to stay clear of SA Breweries in Soweto, which was engulfed by a massive fire on Thursday afternoon.

Johannesburg Emergency Services said firefighters responded to the fire incident at the brewery.

Fire

Spokesperson Xolile Khumalo said the blaze reportedly began when grass in a nearby field caught fire.

“Emergency Management Services (EMS) confirms that the fire that erupted in the outdoor crate storage within the premises of SA Breweries has been successfully contained.

“EMS firefighting teams remain on scene, conducting salvaging and damping down operations to prevent any potential flare-ups,” Khumalo said.

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Khumalo added that the structure on the premises was not affected by the blaze.

WATCH The fire at SA Breweries

Residents have been urged to stay clear of SA Breweries in Soweto, which has been engulfed by a massive fire. #SABreweriesFire #Soweto @SABreweries Pictures: @shaunh15 @TheCitizen_News pic.twitter.com/ds7GOq1uZY
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“At this stage, no injuries have been reported. Emergency teams are working swiftly to contain the fire and prevent further damage.

“The cause of the fire is not yet known. EMS is urging residents to stay clear of the area as a precaution,” Khumalo said.

School fire

In April, 11 classrooms were destroyed in a fire at the Riverlea High School, west of Johannesburg.

Khumalo said the classrooms that caught fire were located in the old site building.

“A team of senior detectives, which includes Forensic Science Laboratory members, has been established to investigate the matter and to trace the person or people responsible for the burning of the school,” said Police spokesperson Colonel Mavela Masondo at the time.

Gauteng Education Department spokesperson Steve Mabona said the 11 classrooms were burnt down along with their furniture.

“Of the affected classrooms, four of them were actively being used by Grade 8 learners, while the remainder were unoccupied. Furthermore, the entire boys’ toilet block was destroyed in the fire, which will affect all boy learners at the school.”

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