The flames leapt up into the evening sky as firefighting teams battled to get the blaze under control.
At about 6.10pm on Wednesday, Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS) responded to a massive plastic recycling factory fire in Moller Street, Germiston.
“Apart from the call centre communique, Germiston Central Fire Station was also alerted by members of the public who visited the station to report the fire,” said William Ntladi, the district manager media liaison for DEMS.
“Prior to their arrival on-scene, firefighters could see from some distance away the huge clouds of black smoke coming out of the factory.
“Back-up from surrounding fire stations was requested.”
Wadeville, Boksburg, Bedfordview and Primrose fire stations all responded to the scene to assist.
Fire ground operations were immediately initiated and the fire was attacked from all sides, preventing it from spreading to the other neighbouring factories.
“Well-coordinated and offensive scene operations saved what was a potential disaster,” said Ntladi.
“The scene was declared over at about 11pm, after all the hot spots were cooled off and the vicious blaze extinguished.”
No casualties were recorded on-scene as a result of the fire.
The cause of the fire is still undetermined and is under investigation.
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