Emergency services warn households to be vigilant after Nellmapius shack fire
Residents are urged to exercise caution when using space heaters and other heating sources during winter.
Tshwane Emergency Services has warned households to be vigilant this winter.
This comes after the service responded to a shack fire in Morongwa Street, Nellmapius Ext 2 on Monday morning.
The fire was reported to the Emergency Communication Centre at 08:44, and firefighting resources were immediately dispatched from Silverton and Mamelodi fire stations to the scene.
They brought a fire engine, water tanker, rapid intervention unit and bush pumper.
Tshwane Emergency spokesperson Lindsay Zwelithini Mnguni said upon arrival, firefighters found that an RDP house and two shacks were on fire.
Mnguni said the firefighters immediately began with firefighting operations and extinguished the fire.
“The two shacks were badly damaged while only the contents of the RDP house were affected by the fire,” said Mguni.
One young patient was treated on the scene for smoke inhalation, and oxygen therapy was administered.
“Our disaster management officers were on the scene and assisted with the co-ordination of relief efforts for the affected family members,” Mnguni said.
The cause of the fire has not yet been determined.
Tshwane Emergency Services urges residents to follow these 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 burning in the house when sleeping.
– Never use fuels not designed for your heating unit.
– Unapproved controlled burning must never be carried out.
– 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.
Report any fire or rescue incident by calling 107 toll-free or 012 358 6300/6400.
When reporting an emergency, please remain calm, speak clearly, know where you are to give the correct address, and give your correct contact number to allow the operator to phone you back should they require to do so.
ALSO READ: Former Tshwane metro director arrested in connection with R11m fraud
Do you have more information about the story?
Please send us an email to bennittb@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok.
