‘Everything changed in an instant’, says fire victim
This incident has left Sophumelela wary of using a paraffin stove again, a common appliance in many South African households, especially in underprivileged areas where electricity is unreliable.
Sophumelela Mtshikilana (21), a Delmore informal settlement resident, suffered severe burns while using a paraffin stove during load-shedding in December.
Her life took a harrowing turn when a paraffin stove, her usual backup for cooking, ignited a devastating fire that left her with severe burns.
“I typically use a paraffin stove during load-shedding or power outages. That day, as I was about to pour more paraffin into the stove, it suddenly caught fire. I’m not sure what went wrong.
“Everything changed in an instant,” she recalled.
On that day, Sophumelela was wearing a silk dress, a material known for its flammability.
“Silk catches fire easily. It was a painful experience. I used my hands to put out the fire as it spread to my chest. My hands got burnt too.
“Alone at home, my situation grew dire quickly. In a stroke of luck amidst the chaos, a neighbour heard my cries and rushed in with water to help me.
“She immediately helped me, and luckily, the fire didn’t spread to the rest of the house.”
Sophumelela was swiftly admitted to a local hospital where she stayed for over a week, undergoing treatment for her injuries.
The physical and emotional scars are still healing, but her spirit remains unbroken.
“I am glad I survived because I never thought I would. I am healing, and I am OK.”
This incident has, however, left her wary of using a paraffin stove again.
“I’m now scared to use the paraffin stove. I don’t wish anyone to go through what I have gone through.”
Sophumelela’s ordeal highlights a broader issue that many in informal settlements face.
The lack of safe, reliable power sources is a persistent problem that puts countless lives at risk daily, as the residents are forced to turn to alternative, often hazardous, methods for essential tasks, like cooking.
As a survivor, Sophumelela now advocates for greater awareness and safety measures when using paraffin stoves.
She advises the following:
• Stay vigilant: Stay close to the stove while it is in use. Never leave it unattended, even for a short time.
• Wear safe clothing: Avoid wearing flammable materials like silk when using open flames or paraffin stoves.
• Keep fire safety equipment handy: have a fire extinguisher or a bucket of sand nearby to extinguish any accidental fires.
• Educate and prepare: Ensure everyone in the household knows basic fire safety and what to do in the case of an emergency.
• Community support: Look out for each other.
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