One man died and another was left badly burned when multiple shack fires broke out in the Setswetla Informal Settlement in Alexandra in the early hours of May 28.
The City of Johannesburg’s Emergency Management Services (EMS) firefighters had a busy weekend at the onset of the winter season of fires which prompted their response to several distress calls as a result of multiple shack fires.
According to the MMC for Public Safety Dr Mgcini Tshwaku, the fires tragically claimed the life of one man and left another resident of the informal settlement with severe burns when four shacks were consumed by the blaze. The affected families have since found temporary shelter from family and friends.
Tshwaku said preliminary investigations suggest that the fire was likely caused by faulty electrical connections. The SAPS is still yet to conduct a thorough investigation into the fires. The Metro police and Ward Committee members were also at the scene to support and coordinate relief efforts.
Tshwaku commended the firefighters for their ‘rapid response’ to the incident and went on to urge residents, particularly those residing in informal settlements, to exercise caution when using heating appliances and ensure they are never left unattended, especially during load-shedding.
“By taking safety precautions, we can work together to prevent similar fire incidents from occurring,” Tshwaku said, adding that affected families have since received relief assistance from Disaster Management and Ashrafal Aid.
The incident has since been reported to both the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) and the City’s Social Development Department for further assessment and intervention.
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