Primrose Fire Station firefighters received multiple calls regarding a shack fire at about 10.16pm in the Makause Informal Settlement last Sunday.
Backup was requested from the Boksburg, Edenvale and Bedfordview fire stations and all other relevant resources were immediately activated for effective firefighting operations.
Upon arrival on the scene, firefighters found several shacks had already been gutted by flames.
It is alleged a resident fell asleep while preparing food following a night of jollification.
Flames soon engulfed his shack and spread out to surrounding dwellings, leaving the affected neighbours with no more than the clothes on their backs.
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“Unfortunately members of the community were aggressive towards the crews and prevented smooth firefighting operations.
“This resulted in crews calling on local law enforcement units to come and calm the situation,” said William Ntladi, district media liaison manager for Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS).
“While community members harassed firefighters, the fire spread to other shacks causing intense damage.”
When the situation calmed down, firefighters continued with their mandate and managed to extinguish the blaze.
“The harassment of the community resulted in one fire engine being damaged and taken out of commission.
“The process of replacing it with an operational one attributed negatively in the accomplishment of the mission.
“Several fire hoses were damaged as well,” said Ntladi
Approximately 30 shacks were damaged by the blaze leaving over 60 residents without homes.
No casualties caused by the fire were recorded on scene.
“Fire and disaster management officials assisted with disaster relief aids to the affected community members,” said Ntladi.
The Germiston Branch of the South African Red Cross Society was alerted to the crisis and, after an assessment, distributed 165 blankets to those affected by the fire last Monday morning.
The Red Cross calls on the public to donate blankets to assist them in responding promptly to these emergencies.
According to Ntladi, the actual cause of the fire is still undetermined and investigations are underway.
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