The City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services has confirmed that two people have been killed in separate shack fires in Johannesburg, over the weekend.
Johannesburg Emergency Services (EMS) spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi said the firefighters responded to the incidents in Orlando East and Orange Farm, in the early hours of July 21.
Mulaudzi said that firefighters successfully extinguished both fires. However, during one of the shack fires, a 16-year-old girl from Orlando East lost her life when the fire engulfed her home.
Meanwhile, a 34-year-old man from Orange Farm, Driezik Extension 5, also lost his life due to burn injuries sustained in a similar incident.
“No further injuries were reported in both incidents, and residents are urged to exercise caution when using heating devices,” he said.
The cause of the two fire incidents resulting in the loss of two lives remains unknown.
In addition, the EMS has urged residents to be careful when using cooking and heating equipment such as paraffin stoves and braziers or “Imbawula” - a makeshift coal stove made out of a large tin with holes in the side.
These braziers need to be used in well-ventilated areas, and people are reminded to take them out of the house before going to sleep. This is because of the danger of a fire breaking out in the house or the occupants dying from breathing in carbon monoxide fumes while they sleep.
The dangers of fire were underlined when a six-year-old died after a fire burned down a double-storey shack in Alexandra this week.
A week ago, firefighters responded to a flat on fire in Eldorado Park Extension 2 on a Sunday at around 8pm. No injuries were reported and the cause of the fire is still the subject of investigations.
The EMS also raised concerns about fire hydrants being stolen or vandalised, making it hard for firefighters to do their work.
IOL