Gauteng sees a rise in shackfires over cold season

GAUTENG - Gauteng is seeing a rise in shackfires as temperatures continue to drop

Winter coldfronts have forced residents to use heating devices, in some cases unregulated and unsafe equipment.

As a result, the province has witnessed an increase in fatal shackfires in informal settlements.

On the East Rand, a 22-year-old male and a 2-year-old toddler died in a shack fire in Arla Park Ext 3, Nigel, while an 8-year-old child escaped with minor burn injuries on 30 June.

On 2 July, a man believed to be in his 30s has died in a multiple shack fire that occurred in the early hours of this morning in the Makausi informal settlement near Primrose.

According to Kasie FM News 91.7, a total of eight shacks burnt down, and in that inferno, a partially burnt body of an adult male was discovered in one of the shacks.  

Due to the coldfront, Disaster Management Services accross the provincr remain on high alert for fire incicents. 

City of Joburg EMS also urged residents to exercise caution when using heating devices such as Heaters/Paraffin Stoves/Braizers or Imbaula and not to leave them unattended while in use to prevent fire incidents at home.

For any Life Threatening Emergencies residents are encouraged to call our Emergency Services Call Centre on 011 375 5911.