Homeowner prevents major house fire at Raceview property in Alberton
For life-threatening emergencies and fires, residents can contact the City of Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Services at 011 458 0911.
On December 30, a Raceview homeowner prevented a garage fire from escalating into a major house fire at a residential property in Alberton.
Emergency services responded to a structural fire at a residential property in Raceview at about 11:24.
Firefighting teams from the Alberton and Zonkezizwe fire stations were dispatched after the City of Ekurhuleni Emergency Management Services (EMS) received the call.
On arrival, firefighters found a double garage fully engulfed in flames.
Crews launched a rapid offensive attack and managed to extinguish the fire before it could spread to the main house, which is located just metres away.
According to reports from the scene, the landlord was preparing to leave the property when she noticed smoke coming from the garage.
She immediately acted and safely removed two vehicles from the garage before the fire intensified, reducing the risk of further damage and removing potential fuel sources.
City of Ekurhuleni Emergency Management Services spokesperson Tikkie MacDonald praised the homeowner’s alertness.
“The homeowner’s quick response undoubtedly saved the vehicles and helped us protect the primary residence,” MacDonald said.
Preliminary findings indicate that the fire may have originated from the property’s installed solar power system.
Fire crews used specialised lithium-ion fire extinguishers to neutralise the lithium batteries and prevent thermal runaway.
Fire investigators were called to the scene shortly after the blaze was contained.
A formal investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the fire.
No injuries were reported.
