Surge in house fires raises alarms among security experts
As recent fire incidents raise concerns, SCP Security offers essential safety practices to help residents protect their homes from fire hazards.
Jaun van der Westhuizen of SCP Security has reported a concerning spike in house fires, attributing the increase to residents underestimating the risks associated with open flames and heat sources.
“Many residents leave open flames and heat sources unattended, even briefly,” he stated, highlighting that candles and gas heaters are the primary culprits behind these incidents.
Van Der Westhuizen noted that the types of incidents his team responds to most frequently include gas bottle leaks, gas heaters falling over and igniting carpets or couches, and candles being left unattended. “These factors caused most fires we have attended to,” he explained.
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While the fires are not concentrated in specific areas, Van Der Westhuizen mentioned that the last three incidents his team responded to occurred in Northcliff and Randburg. He emphasised that human error and negligence are the most common causes of these fires, with one notable incident involving a newly installed fireplace. “Luckily, our fire crew was on scene very quickly,” he added.
To mitigate the risk of house fires, Van Der Westhuizen provided essential safety practices for residents using gas at home.
He advised:
- Never leave gas appliances unattended.
- Ensure proper ventilation by keeping windows or doors open.
- Regularly check gas bottles for leaks or damage.
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