City of Tshwane firefighters swiftly contained a fire on the sixth floor of the Department of Correctional Services head office in Pretoria on Monday evening.

According to spokesperson Lindsay Zwelithini Mnguni, they responded to a multistorey building fire incident on Dr WF Nkomo Street in Pretoria at around 18:41.

“Upon arrival, firefighters found that the fire was burning on the sixth floor, and they immediately began with exterior firefighting operations by positioning the two ladders tactically to quickly extinguish the fire before it could spread to the higher floors.”

He said the other crews were preparing to enter the building simultaneously to ensure that the fire was contained to only the involved floor and that all occupants had evacuated the burning building.

“Only five offices were damaged by the fire and firefighters successfully saved the building from being destroyed.

“No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined.”

Mnguni furthermore said members of the public are urged to be cautious during the winter to ensure the safety and well-being of people, animals and property.

Here are some precautionary measures to keep in mind:

• If there is any fire danger to dwellings, such as shacks or houses, or vegetation or veld fires, call the toll-free number 107 for emergencies.
• Burning charcoal produces large amounts of carbon monoxide, so do not leave this 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 that all candles are placed in safe candleholders.
• Never connect electricity illegally.
• Never overload electrical plugs.
• Never leave an imbawula or a coal fire to burn overnight without supervision.
• Extinguish paraffin fires with sand or a fire extinguisher.

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

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