Elderly man dies in house fire in Orange Farm, Joburg

A 70-year-old man has died in a house fire in Orange farm, south of Joburg.

Johannesburg Emergency Services (EMS) spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi said the blaze broke out just before midnight on Wednesday night.

“City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services responded to a house on fire incident reported in Orange Farm Extension 3 just before Midnight. A 70 year old man was confirmed dead on scene, he succumbed to smoke inhalation he was confirmed dead on scene by Gauteng EMS Paramedics.

“No other injuries were reported in this fire incident and the cause of the fire incident is still a subject of investigations,” Mulaudzi.

Precautions

Mulaudzi has urged residents take precautions when using appliances.

“Residents are encouraged to continue to look after heating devices which might cause fire incidents at home not to leave them unattended while in use so that we can prevent fire incident like this one.”

ALSO READ: No injuries after fire breaks out at Joburg building

Heatwave

Meanwhile, Mulaudz said they have also taken note of the heatwave conditions currently enveloping the country.

He has urged residents to take precautions.

“It’s extremely hot in most parts of the City of Johannesburg. Residents are urged to stay hydrated, drink lots of water and stay away from direct sunlight between 11am and 3pm in the afternoon.

“Those who are working directly in the sunlight are urged to take regular breaks and the elderly who are on medication to stay in cool areas because exposure to this extremely hot temperatures can lead to heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke, “Mulaudzi said.

Mulaudzi said they will remain on high alert for any eventuality during the scorching weather conditions.

Warning

The South African Weather Service (Saws) warned that hot temperatures were expected in the province from Wednesday.

“Heatwave conditions resulting in persistently high temperatures, exceeding average maximum are expected in places over Gauteng and the eastern parts of the North West until Friday.”

The mercury is expected to hit the high thirties in some areas.

ALSO READ: Gauteng heatwave: Residents warned to stay out of the sun and hydrate