Residents in Pretoria are being urged to exercise caution to prevent burn-related incidents as temperatures continue to drop across Gauteng and more households rely on heating devices to keep warm during winter.

According to the Gauteng Department of Health, burn-related incidents usually increase during the colder months due to the use of heaters, paraffin stoves, open fires, candles, hot water, and electrical appliances.

Department spokesperson Steve Mabona said Gauteng Health and Wellness MEC Faith Mazibuko has called on residents to take greater precautions to reduce the risk of burn injuries, particularly among children and older people.

Mabona said the department is especially concerned about the unsafe use of braziers, commonly known as imbawula, which are widely used during winter for heating purposes.

He warned that imbawula should never be used inside poorly ventilated rooms or left unattended because they pose a serious danger.

“The department is warning residents about the dangers associated with the unsafe use of braziers, commonly known as imbawula, which are widely used for heating during winter,” he said.

https://x.com/GautengHealth/status/2051933240177414495?s=20

It’s cold, and staying warm is important – but never ignite imbaula indoors.

It can cause deadly smoke inhalation, severe burns, or even burn down your home.

🔥 Always use it outside in a well-ventilated area. #AsibeHealthyGP #BurnsAwareness pic.twitter.com/8uyUOFpQtr

— Gauteng Health (@GautengHealth) May 6, 2026

He added that the unsafe use of these heating sources can result in burn injuries, carbon monoxide poisoning and even death.

“It remains concerning that most burn admissions involve children.”

According to Mabona, one of the province’s busiest specialised burn units recorded 743 paediatric burn admissions in 2024 and 2025.

Around 80% of those cases were linked to hot water burns, flame burns, and electrical injuries.

He added that between January and April 2026 alone, the facility recorded 116 paediatric burn admissions.

MEC Mazibuko, on the other hand, urged parents and caregivers to take proactive steps to protect children from common household dangers during winter.

“We are urging parents and caregivers to take proactive measures to reduce the risk of burns by keeping children away from open flames, heaters, paraffin stoves, hot liquids, and cooking areas,” she said.

She also advised residents to ensure that electrical appliances, gas equipment and heating devices are safely used and properly maintained.

“Candles, fires and cooking should never be left unattended, as this may lead to devastating incidents, particularly among children,” she said.

Mazibuko further encouraged members of the public to familiarise themselves with basic burn first aid procedures.

“In the event of a burn injury, the affected area should immediately be cooled under clean running water for 20 minutes, and immediate medical attention should be sought for serious burns.”

The department also cautioned residents against applying ice, toothpaste, oil, butter or traditional remedies to burns, warning that these could worsen injuries and increase the risk of infection.

Residents are further advised not to burst blisters or remove clothing stuck to burnt skin, as this may lead to additional tissue damage and complications.

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