Locals advised to be vigilant ahead of festive season

The City of Ekurhuleni’s (CoE) Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS) has advised locals to be vigilant with braai fires ahead of the festive season.

William Ntladi, DEMS’ spokesperson, warned that as the community will be celebrating during this time they needed to practice caution.

“During summer time we have people celebrating and those braais are done in lapas.

They tend to leave hot coals unattended and the lapa roofs are likely to catch fire. In people’s homes, some have braaing areas and chimneys may cause fires if they get too hot,” he said.

Ntladi also advised that portable braai stands should be handled with care and that hot coal should
be thrown away with precaution. “Children can be burnt if this coal is thrown anywhere and these hot coals can cause fire if they come into contact with anything that is flammable.

Cigarette butts are also a major concern,” he said.