Four injured in Westpark inferno as six-bedroom house burns down
Four people needed medical assistance from responders to the scene. The cause of the fire has not yet been determined.
Members of the Tshwane Emergency Services (EMS) team recently responded to a fire in Westpark that turned a six-bedroom house into piles of ash, and left four people injured.
The fire occurred on September 3 at 04:30, when the fire was reported.
After receiving the call, the Emergency Communication Centre (ECC) dispatched fire engines from Central, Phillip Nel and Innesdale fire stations.
EMS spokesperson, Lindsay Mnguni, said the firefighters experienced challenges with water upon arrival, but managed to quell the blaze swiftly.
“On arrival, firefighter crews found a fire hydrant to establish a water source connection, but the hydrant had low water pressure. Fire engines are structured differently and can carry between 3 500–4 500 litres of water.
Establishing a water source/fire hydrant is a standard operating procedure, as the water in the fire engine can only last a few minutes during firefighting operations,” Mnguni said.
When another fire hydrant was found nearby the house, the blaze was brought under control before it could spread to nearby buildings.
Fire crews remained on site, conducting damping-down operations to prevent any flare-ups until morning.
Four patients were treated on the scene by private medical services.
Fire Safety Officers are currently on scene to conduct preliminary investigations of the cause of the fire and determine the extent of the damage.
Mnguni urged residents to use electricity appliances responsibly and to never interfere with fire hydrants, as they are essential to ensuring firefighters can execute their duties when called upon.
“The City of Tshwane Emergency Services urges communities to practice the safer use of electrical appliances to help prevent fire incidents.
“Fire hydrants are a prerequisite for emergency services to swiftly conduct firefighting operations, and residents are urged to refrain from using fire hydrants illegally.
“Communities need to note the dire impact that could result from utilising fire hydrants illegally as water sources, as this could hinder smooth firefighting processes,” Mnguni said.
To report any fire or rescue incident, residents are encouraged to call 107 toll-free from a cellphone or call 012 358 6300 or 6400 from any telephone.
When reporting an emergency, please remain calm, speak clearly, know where you are to give the correct address, and give your correct contact number so that the operator can phone you back, should they need to do so.
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.
