Garage destroyed but no injuries in a second fire in Blairgowrie house

In the early evening of June 30, a fire broke out at 33 Loots Road in Blairgowrie, affecting a double garage that was being used as a room, where people were sleeping.

This is the second fire to break out in the same building within three months.

Harold Flieshman, the co-chair of the Blairgowrie Community Association, said that the house accommodated around 12 residents and is part of a larger property housing between 30 to 50 people. “Clearly there has been no improvement since the first fire broke out because the place is still overrun and overcrowded. I urge officials to make sure the place is cleared up and the premises is vacated.”

The house itself was not affected by the blaze, and there were no injuries reported, However, the incident continues to shed light on the dire living conditions faced by many in the community.

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Due to the swift response from the Johannesburg Emergency Management Services (EMS), the fire was quickly contained, preventing it from spreading to other parts of the property. Two fire engines were dispatched to the scene, ensuring an efficient and effective firefighting operation.

Officer Xolile Khumalo provided details about the incident, stating, “We received a fire incident call in Blairgowrie at 19:00. A garage that is used as a room was on fire. The house was not affected by the fire. There were no displaced residents as the fire only affected the garage.”
This quick action by the firefighters played a crucial role in minimising damage and preventing potential injuries or fatalities.

Although the exact cause of this fire remains undetermined, initial speculation suggests that it may have been related to the absence of electricity in the area which left the residents finding alternative means to stay warm.

With power outages becoming increasingly common, residents might resort to using open fires for warmth, which can lead to accidental fires if not properly managed. The EMS has urged all residents of Johannesburg to practise fire safety measures diligently.

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“We urge the residents of Johannesburg to ensure that all electrical appliances are switched off after use. To make certain that when using open fires these are extinguished after use,” emphasised Khumalo.
This advice is particularly important as winter temperatures drop and the use of alternative heating methods becomes more prevalent.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of fire safety and the need for constant vigilance, especially in densely populated areas and during times of power outages.

The Johannesburg EMS continues to monitor the situation and will provide further updates as more information becomes available. For now, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents in the area and preventing similar incidents from occurring in the future.