The city’s Emergency Services remains on high alert to deal with fires following the death of nine people in four separate structural fires in the area in the past seven days.
The following incidents have been recorded in the city recently:
• On Wednesday the 21st of May 2025, an adult died when his shack caught fire in Delmore Informal Settlement, Boksburg;
• On Saturday the 24th of May 2025, another man died when his bedroom in a fire incident in Ravensklip near Elandsfontein also in Boksburg;
• Yesterday morning six family members died in a fire incident at Marikana Informal Settlement, Kwa-Thema. Only a seven-year-old daughter survived with intense injuries
• Still yesterday just before midnight, a fifty-five (55) year passed on in a shack fire in Palm Ridge extension 9.
While the city remains vigilant to deal with any emergency and educate people about dealing with fires especially in informal settlements, the city calls on residents to play their part as well. The season is characterised by adverse weather conditions which results in extreme cold and increased fire incidents. “Understanding how to protect yourself, your loved ones and your properties during winter will make a difference in staying safe and alive,” says DEMS spokesman Mr William Ntladi.
Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS) department would like to share the following safety tips:
• Keep combustible materials at least one meter away from heating appliances;
• Monitor the heating appliances continuously. Never leave children alone around them;
• Braziers (Mbaula) shouldn’t be placed inside the homes without enough ventilation. Carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide poisoning are eminent;
• Don’t overload braziers with heavy pots. Doors and/or windows should be opened to allow circulation of fresh air inside;
• Place braziers on the stable level surface;
• Due to strong wind speed and dry dense vegetation, veld fires are quite eminent. They might run out of control at an alarming speed and bring devastating results;
• Don’t make open fires before consulting with fire department; and
• Don’t throw lit cigarette buds away. Possibilities of veld fire is very high.
For any life threatening emergency members of the public are advised to contact the
City on the following numbers:
• 011 458 0911 (Charged at normal call rates)
• 10177 (Toll Free from a land line)
• 112 (Free from any cell phone
