City to the rescue after deadly shack fire

24 May 2017

 

The City of Johannesburg’s Emergency Management Services (EMS) officers rescued more than 160 families who were displaced when a fire gutted more than 110 shacks at Princess Maponya informal settlement in Jeppestown, Region F, on Saturday night, killing two people.

 

The two dead residents, who were burnt beyond recognition in the raging fire, will be identified once their next of kin have been informed.

City officials swung into action early on Sunday morning to provide the displaced families with blankets, food and temporary accommodation at a local community hall, according to EMS spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi. He said the distraught residents would be assisted in rebuilding their homes.

Mulaudzi said it was believed the fire was deliberately started by an unknown individual or individuals. “Our fire investigation team will probe the exact cause of the fire,” he said.

Member of the Mayoral Committee for Public Safety Cllr Michael Sun conveyed his deepest condolences to the bereaved families. He pleaded with residents of informal settlements to be vigilant at all times on the use of heating devices and refrain from using makeshift heaters.

He said in most cases shack fires could be prevented. “As the Department of Public Safety, we urge residents to be cautious as we approach the high-risk winter season of fires. We will be launching our Winter Safety Campaign at the beginning of June targeting most of the vulnerable communities in our 189 informal settlements and will continue our efforts throughout the winter season,” said Cllr Sun.

The aim of the campaign is to educate the public on ways to avoid risk of fire to reduce loss, damage to property, injuries and even fatalities. “We need the residents’ co-operation so the tragedy we saw in Jeppestown is not repeated. Residents are urged to be safe during winter,” said Cllr Sun.

The following are some of the safety tips residents are urged to adhere to:

• Keep candles away from children;

• Don’t leave a child unattended in a room with a candle;

• Store candles, matches and lighters away from the reach of children;

• Don’t use a candle to light a stove;

• Don’t use a candle in a confined space;

• Use braziers only in a well-ventilated area to avoid carbon monoxide inhalation;

• Take the braziers outside before going to bed;

• Put your paraffin stove on a flat surface where it can't fall or get knocked over;

• Use safe containers to store paraffin;

• Ensure the candle or paraffin lamp is not left burning;

• Switch off heaters and stoves at the mains before going to bed or out; and

• Always put out cigarettes carefully and do not smoke in bed.

For any life threatening emergencies call 10177 on Telkom landline, 112 on your cellphone or 011 375 5911.