Boy seriously injured in house fire
The family has three children, but only the one boy was injured, the rest of the family was fine.
A house fire in Irene has left a 15-year-old boy severely burnt.
The 15-year old was airlifted to Netcare Milpark hospital’s level one trauma unit by Netcare 911 emergency medical helicopter following the blaze at the Irene View estate on Sunday evening.
According to Ruan Heyns, spokesperson for Cert-SA, they responded to the scene around 18:30. Netcare 911 Emergency Services were also on the scene.
“No-one else was injured, and the fire was extinguished quickly by bystanders and Tshwane Emergency Services’ fire department.”
Ward councillor Gert Visser said it was a tragic incident and the boy was injured seriously, however, no further information was available.
Estate manager, Ruth Lizzio, also confirmed the fire broke out just after 18:00.
“As far as we know the fire broke out in the entertainment area. The lounge and part of the kitchen was affected by the fire.
“The family has three children, but only the one boy was injured, the rest of the family are fine.”
Lizzio said the cause of the fire was not known at this stage.
Charles Mabasa, spokesperson for Tshwane Emergency Services Department, said firefighters arrived on the scene to find one room in the residence that burnt down. The fire was already extinguished.
“Firefighters only carried out procedure to cool off the room to prevent possible flare-ups and re-ignition. One patient was treated by paramedics and airlifted per helicopter to obtain medical care,” Mabasa said.
Mabasa said the cause of the fire has not yet been determined and is being investigated.
“We have experienced an increase in house fires with winter approaching. It is probably caused by heating sources that people use to keep themselves warm during the cold seasons.
“Residents must keep heat sources away from combustible materials such as their beds, linen, curtains, clothes, and anything that can catch fire.”
When residents leave their homes, he said, they must ensure the heating source is switched off and avoid overloading electrical plugs.
Should a fire break out residents should dial 1074 and evacuate the house, Mabasa said.
“Do not try to extinguish a fire if it is out of control. Move to safety and ensure everyone left the house.
“Residents should only extinguish a fire if in the incipient stage if it is possible for them to either cover the fire or by a fire extinguisher if they have one.”
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