VANDERBIJLPARK – The exact cause of the fire that nearly destroyed a house at 121 Mantevrede yesterday morning has yet to be determined.

No one was injured in the fire. Although the initial emergency call was sent out quickly, the fire department could not be reached. Members of the public and residents of Mantevrede joined forces to extinguish the fire themselves and ensure that the smouldering remains didn’t reignite.

Water tanks and even the swimming pool were used, with buckets of water being carried to douse the flames. According to DA councillor Maureen Dosoudil, complaints have previously been lodged that the local fire department is often unreachable. The Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM) recently acquired a new fire truck, but it’s unclear where it is stationed.

“The damage on smallholdings can be limited, but what will happen in densely built areas like informal settlements if a fire breaks out?” she asked.