Several families are still trying to pick up the pieces after losing everything in a recent house fire in Boksburg North.
An affected tenant, who asked to remain anonymous, said the fire started at around 16:00 on October 12 in her landlord’s apartment, which is on the same property.
“We called the emergency services but by the time they arrived, the fire had already engulfed the house. We lost everything,” she said.
She added that about nine families occupied the house and most of them had gas stoves.
According to the City of Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS) spokesperson William Ntladi, firefighting teams responded to Third Street after receiving the call at 17:04.
“The team responded from Leon Ferriera Fire Station for intervention while backup responded from other fire stations in the same operational district,” Ntladi explained.
Ntladi said on arrival, the seven-roomed housing structure was well alight.
“The bigger part of the roof had already collapsed at the time and caved in. Offensively, fire suppression was initiated by primary responders getting water from the nearby fire hydrant. The backup was already on its way as it was activated prior to arrival.
“After the arrival of backup, more attack lines were initiated. Flames were brought under control and extinguished without any further damages to the structure in the presence and hands of firefighters,” said Ntladi.
Ntladi highlighted there were no injuries reported.
DEMS pleads with members of the public to please use the following numbers when in need of fire, rescue and medical assistance: 10177 (national toll-free number), 112 (cellphone emergency toll-free number), 011 458 0911 (life-threatening Ekurhuleni emergency line) or 011 564 2211 (Gauteng Provincial Ambulance Services).
Donations needed:
The Boksburg North CPF Sector Four is doing a collection drive for the affected families.
Necessities such as clothing (children and adults) and food can be collected or dropped off. The drop-off point is 61 First Street, Boksburg North.
For more information, contact Ashley on 082 398 3636 or Fayaaz on 072 639 3429 or Uanita on 074 130 9993 or Mark on 082 466 4459.
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