Sinoville firefighters warn of dangerous items hidden in storage units

The Sinoville Firefighters Association (SBBV) has issued a grave warning to residents following a recent incident in which a smoke grenade was discovered in a burnt storage container in Montana Park, north of Pretoria.

This comes after the emergency team responded to a fire involving a privately owned container, but what began as a routine fire suppression call quickly turned into a high-risk situation.

SBBV spokesperson Zenobia Loock-du Plessis said after the flames had been extinguished, a firefighter inspecting the scene discovered a grenade buried under the charred debris.

She said the device, which could have easily been a live explosive, was later identified as a smoke grenade commonly used by police or military forces, and fortunately, it did not detonate during the blaze.

This chilling discovery has prompted the SBBV to speak about the hidden dangers lurking in storage units, garages, and even backyard containers.

According to Loock-du Plessis, many residents are unknowingly storing highly dangerous and even illegal items in these spaces, items that could lead to catastrophic outcomes in the event of a fire, flood, or explosion.

“We’ve come across gas bottles, petrol cans, expired fireworks, ammunition, and corrosive chemicals stored carelessly.

“People don’t realise how deadly these items become when exposed to heat or flames. It doesn’t just endanger the homeowner, but also firefighters, neighbours, and anyone nearby,” she said.

Loock-du Plessis added that these types of incidents are not isolated and pose growing concerns for emergency responders across the region.

“Every time we respond to a fire, we don’t just think about flames, we worry about what could be inside. It could be a gas explosion, it could be toxic fumes, or as we saw last week, it could be an explosive device.”

SBBV urged residents to conduct regular checks of their storage areas and to properly dispose of or surrender hazardous materials.

The association have reminded the public that illegal possession of explosives or unlicensed ammunition is a criminal offence, but that voluntary surrender can be done safely and without legal consequences.

“If you find a grenade, old firearm or suspicious-looking container, do not touch it.

“Contact SAPS and request the Explosives Unit or Designated Firearms Officer. Voluntary surrender will not result in prosecution if reported before discovery by law enforcement.”

Loock-du Plessis also called on storage facility managers to educate tenants about prohibited items and improve monitoring practices.

“Prevention is better than tragedy. It’s not just about fire safety, it’s about saving lives,” she said.

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