Firefighters from the City of Tshwane quickly contained a fire on the sixth floor of the Department of Correctional Services head office in Pretoria last night.

According to spokesperson Lindsay Zwelithini Mnguni, the emergency team responded to the multistorey fire incident on Dr WF Nkomo Street at around 18:40.

“Upon arrival, firefighters found that the fire was burning on the sixth floor, and they immediately began with exterior firefighting operations by positioning the two ladders tactically to quickly extinguish the fire before it could spread to the higher floors,” Mnguni says.

Simultaneously, other crews prepared to enter the building to ensure the fire was contained to one floor and that all occupants had evacuated.

“Only five offices were damaged by the fire, and firefighters successfully saved the building from being destroyed,” he confirms.

No injuries were reported, and the cause of the fire remains unknown.

Mnguni urges the public to remain cautious during winter, sharing several fire safety tips, including never leaving charcoal, burning candles, or illegal electrical connections unattended.

To report any fire incident, call 107 toll-free or alternatively call 012 358 6300/6400.