Spike in house fires raises concerns over flame complacency
Jaun Van Der Westhuizen, of SCP Security, highlights a concerning spike in house fires, urging residents to remain vigilant about unattended flames and heat sources.
Jaun Van Der Westhuizen, manager at SCP Security, has reported a troubling increase in house fires, attributing the surge to residents underestimating the risks associated with open flames and heat sources. “Most fires we have attended to were caused by either gas bottles leaking, gas heaters falling over, or candles being left unattended or forgotten about.”
While he noted that these incidents are not concentrated in specific areas, he mentioned that the last three fires his team responded to occurred in Northcliff and Randburg.
Read more: Surge in house fires raises alarms among security experts
Human error can lead to most fires, with one recent incident involving a newly installed fireplace that caught fire. “Luckily, our fire crew was on scene very quickly,” Van Der Westhuizen remarked. He emphasised that the most critical safety practices for residents using gas at home include never leaving gas appliances unattended, ensuring proper ventilation by keeping windows or doors open, and regularly checking gas bottles for leaks or damage.
Despite many residents being aware of safety protocols, he believes that complacency often leads to dangerous situations. “Most residents are aware of what protocol needs to be followed, but they often become too relaxed and forget about the seriousness of gas or candles.”
SCP Security is actively working with the City of Johannesburg and other emergency responders to educate residents about gas safety. They distribute a monthly newsletter with safety tips, and offer a self-risk assessment option on their website, along with free risk assessments. “Our fire crew also visits schools every week to teach kids about fire safety and what to do in the event of a fire.”
As the winter season continues, he urges families to remain vigilant. “My message would be to be cautious. Don’t leave your gas heaters and stoves unattended, and ensure they are not close to anything that can catch fire. Also, check your gas bottles and placements so that if something goes wrong, you have time to react without losing your house completely.”
With ongoing education and proactive measures, SCP Security aims to reduce the frequency of these dangerous incidents and enhance community safety.
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