BUSINESSES in Copper Drive, Empangeni, felt the heat on Wednesday evening when a shop caught fire.
Ukhozi Springworks was ablaze and panic spread as businesses adjacent to the shop feared the fire would spread to their premises.
A neighbouring car workshop had to hastily move its vehicles away from the burning building with the close proximity of an oil drum increasing the fear.
The fire department was on scene and managed the evacuation process without any fatalities, but the extent of the damage is still to be determined.
The cause of the fire is unknown, but the structural stability of the building may have been affected.
Ukhozi Springworks’ owner said, ‘The fire department and police have been to investigate and more information should be available early next week.’
