One fatality in multiple shack fire in Fleurhof
Informal settlement fire destroys 49 homes and claims a life.
Forty-nine shacks burnt down during a fire in an informal settlement in Fleurhof.
In the early hours of July 30, the City of Joburg Emergency Management Services (CoJEMS) received a call about numerous shacks on fire.
Nana Radebe-Kgiba, spokesperson for CoJEMS, explained that two fire engines and a water tanker were dispatched, however, upon their arrival the shacks were already gutted.
“Firefighters battled with flames because of windy conditions and fire hydrants nearby with low pressure. While conducting search and rescue the crews discovered one person had died,” said Radebe-Kgiba.
• Also read: Matholesville shack fire claims lives of family of three
She added Fire Safety conducted preliminary investigations to establish the origin and cause of the fire, CoJ’s Disaster Management was also on the scene to assist the families affected by the fire.
“Emergency Management Services urges communities to take necessary precautions when using heating appliances and avoid leaving candles unattended,” Radebe-Kgiba concluded.
