During winter in South Africa, many residents of informal settlements face the risk of devastating fires.
This is because homes are often built close together from wood, cardboard, and plastic, and fires spread very quickly. Many families use candles, paraffin stoves, and unsafe electrical connections to keep warm or cook food, increasing the risk of accidents. When a fire breaks out, residents are forced to run from their homes with only a few belongings. Some lose everything they own, including clothes, food, schoolbooks, and important documents, such as identity books. Children are often left frightened and traumatised after witnessing the destruction of their homes and communities.

Read more: WATCH: Fire guts Cosmo City flat

Winter conditions make the situation even worse. Families who survive the fire may sleep outside in the cold or stay in overcrowded community halls and shelters. Without warm clothing and proper shelter, many people become sick from the freezing temperatures. Parents struggle to provide safety and comfort for their children while trying to rebuild their homes with little money or support.

Fire incidents also affect education and employment, because children miss school and adults cannot go to work after losing their belongings. These tragedies highlight the serious challenges faced by people living in informal settlements across South Africa.

There is no difference between the communities of Kya Sands and Zandspruit in Randburg. There are always fire incidents reported, which sometimes lead to the loss of lives.

Robert Mlaudzi, spokesperson of the Gauteng emergency management services (EMS), admitted that during winter season they normally see an increase in terms of fire incidents, especially in most vulnerable communities such as informal settlements. The reason is that, as it gets cold, most residents use heating devices like braziers/imbawula, heaters, and these devices which can cause devastating fire incidents if they are left unattended while in use. Hence, it’s very important for residents to be fire wise this winter season.

Residents are encouraged to ensure safety at all times when using any heating or cooking devices, and not to leave them unattended while in use. To try and minimise the incidents, EMS conducts community empowerment programmes or campaigns daily. The programme includes basic first aid and firefighting skills vital for Johannesburg residents this winter season. These campaigns are specifically designed to empower residents with the necessary skills to deal with emergencies when they occur in their respective communities.

Also read: Family rebuilds after fire destroys Sering Street home

“We have partnerships with community leaders to improve awareness in our communities,” said Mlaudzi. “As the fire department, we are adequately resourced to deal with fire incidents in all seven regions of the City of Johannesburg during this winter season, so our residents are encouraged to call our emergency management services command and control for any life-threatening emergencies.”

As winter sets in, the City of Johannesburg EMS records a noticeable spike in fire incident calls. “Pamela Matsimela, from Cosmo City Fire Station, engaged with the local community, providing vital safety training. She demonstrated how to correctly operate a fire extinguisher, safely handle gas cylinders, and shared essential fire safety tips to help residents protect themselves and their families during the colder months.”

The EMS continues to encourage all Johannesburg communities to prioritise fire safety, remain vigilant, and take proactive steps to prevent winter-related fire tragedies.

They shared safety tips for residents on how to use candles:
• Fill a third of the jar with dry sand.
• Cut candle to size, so that flame will still be in the jar.
• Place candle firmly into the sand.
• Light and place in a safe place.

Candle safety tips:
• Keep candles away from children.
• A child should not be left unattended in a room with a candle.
• Store candles, matches, and lighters away from the reach of children.
• Avoid carrying a lit candle.
• A candle should not be used in a confined space.
• Candles should not be used to light stoves.

Extinguish the flame when you go to sleep or when you leave the house

Gas safety tips:
• Check your pipes, gas bottles, and appliances regularly. Make sure they are not leaking, rusted, or damaged.
• If you smell gas, turn the gas off at the bottle. Use water to check for leaks in the pipe. Never test for leaks with an open flame – the gas could explode.
• Keep the gas bottle at least 30cm away from the appliance.
• Always light the match first before turning on the gas.

Electricity safety tips:
• Sparks from electric wires and plugs can start a fire.
• Overloaded plugs can burn out easily.
• Worn and exposed electrical wires are dangerous. Replace worn or frayed electric cord immediately.
• Water and electricity do not mix. Keep all electric wires and plugs away from water and steam.
• Teach children about the dangers of electricity.

Paraffin stoves safety tips:
• If you use paraffin lamps, make sure the flame is protected.
• Put your paraffin stove on a flat surface where it can’t fall or get knocked over.
• A big pot on a small stove can easily fall over and start a fire.
• Use safe containers to store paraffin, like safety cap bottles.

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