Winter has crept in early this year and residents are urged to safely keep warm in this chilly weather.
This from Public Safety Regional Commander Benny Mohlabeng who says that fire-related incidents usually increase substantially during the winter.
“This can be prevented if people take precautionary measures when keeping warm.
“Over the past, we have seen people lose their lives due to fire incidents. One life lost is one too many.
“We cannot have people losing their lives owing to candles falling over or curtains catching fire because heaters were left unattended.
“We urge people always to make sure that they switch off their electrical appliances when not in use.
“Be careful when using fireplaces and anthracite stoves to keep your home warm.
“We have dealt with many unnecessary deaths caused by fires in the winter.”
Mohlabeng also urges resident not to discard their cigarette butts in velds, or to throw them out of car windows.
“You never know where the cigarette butt ends up.
“It could very well cause a veld fire.”
Mohlabeng says that his department will be having numerous safety awareness events in Randfontein and its surround over the coming months where the dangers of candles, heaters and fireplaces will be discussed.