The City of Tshwane faced a weekend of devastation as multiple veld fires erupted, destroying properties in Rietfontein and Leeuwfontein.

According to acting spokesperson Lindsay Zwelithini Mnguni, no injuries were reported at either incident, and the cause of the fires has not yet been determined.

He said firefighters responded to a fire on Saturday at around 12:37 in Rietfontein near Delmas.

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“The ECC immediately dispatched a grassfire unit to the scene. Upon arrival, firefighters began with firefighting operations. While they were busy, they were approached by a community member informing them about a house on fire on a nearby plot.

“They then called for backup and the ECC dispatched multiple additional firefighting resources from Silverton, Erasmuskloof and Hazelwood Fire Stations to the incident. The resources included two fire trucks, a district commander’s unit and a water tanker.”

Mnguni said that on the one plot, the fire burned down the one main house, which had been abandoned and had no furniture inside, and a storeroom – all with thatched roofs.

There was another house with a main thatched roof that was occupied but had not caught fire.

The veld fire had also spread to the adjacent plot and affected their lapa, but crews extinguished it in time.

“They also managed to protect this plot’s main house by tactically placing fire trucks to protect any further exposure and prevent any further fire spread. Firefighters successfully extinguished all the fires in Rietfontein at around 17:42.”

Mnguni said another fire incident occurred in Leeuwfontein on Suidweg Road at about 18:36 on the same day, and a house was also reported on fire.

“The City of Tshwane Emergency Services Department responded with a fire truck and a grassfire unit from Rayton Fire Station. A water carrier and a fire truck from Silverton Fire Station backed them up.”

He said on arrival at this incident scene, firefighters found a vandalized, unoccupied ten-room thatched roof house already burnt down.

“They immediately began with firefighting and damping down operations, which lasted until the middle of the night at about 23:38.”

Mnguni urged members of the public and small stock farmers to be cautious during these adverse weather conditions to ensure the safety and well-being of their animals and property by observing the following precautionary measures:

• If there is any fire danger exposure to dwellings, like shacks or houses, vegetation, or veld fires, dial the toll-free number 107 for emergencies.
• Burning charcoal produces large amounts of carbon monoxide, so do not leave it in the house when sleeping.
• Never use fuels that are not designed for your heating unit.
• Unapproved controlled burning must never be carried out (no controlled burning will be approved during this period).
• Never leave children unattended near a burning candle or fire.
• Make sure all candles are placed in safe candleholders.
• Never connect electricity illegally.
• Never overload electrical plugs.
• Never leave an imbawula or coal fire to burn overnight without supervision.
• Extinguish paraffin fires with sand or a fire extinguisher.

He said the City of Tshwane Emergency Services Department will continue to monitor updates by the South African Weather Service and issue further notices where necessary.

To report any fire incident, please call 107 toll-free or alternatively call 012 358 6300/6400.

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