Aircon blamed for shop fire

Ray Nkonyeni Municipality (RNM) urges property owners to ensure compliance with current national building, fire, health, and environmental regulations.

RNM acting spokesperson Nomusa Zulu said this after a shop, Sogo Home, on Marine Drive in Manaba caught fire last Sunday.

Zulu said RNM Emergency Control Centre received a call reporting a fire at Sogo Home, saying that fire crews were immediately dispatched.

She said on arrival, fire crews found that a small section of the shop was on fire.

“It is alleged that the fire might have started from a portable air-conditioner at the back of the shop. Fire extinguishers were used from the nearest garage. RNM and Ugu Fire Services used 350 litres of water to put out the fire. The fire crew successfully managed to prevent it from spreading to other parts of the centre,” she said.

Zulu said there was smoke damage inside the shop, adding that no injuries were reported at the time of the incident.

“All buildings and businesses must have approved building and fire plans, business licenses and the necessary compliance certificates. Fire protection of this classification and occupancy of a building must comply with SANS 10400 [2024] and Municipal bylaws,” she said.

Meanwhile, a comment from the store was not received at the time of going to press.

Port Shepstone police said no case of arson was opened for investigation.

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