A fire tore through a Pretoria West scrapyard, leaving a trail of destruction at the site on Saturday, August 10.
The fire on Malie Street in Booysens, Pretoria West was battled by the Tshwane Metro Emergency Services.
Spokesperson Lindsay Zwelithini Mnguni said the incident was reported to their call centre (ECC) at around 15:02.
He said that on arrival firefighters found several vehicles at the scrapyard on fire.
“Upon arrival, firefighting operations from the Philip Nel Park Fire Station commenced swiftly, with additional resources dispatched from various stations including Atteridgeville, Bosman, Innesdale, Heuweloord, and Centurion Fire Stations dispatched as a backup.
“The reinforcements included two fire trucks, one water tanker, a ladder, and a district commander’s unit,” said Mnguni.
Mnguni said the firefighters prevented the fire from spreading to a nearby factory.
He added that the fire had been fully extinguished by 16:34 while no injuries were reported.
“The cause of the fire remains under investigation. In light of this event, the public [are] advised to take extra precautions during the winter months to ensure safety and prevent similar incidents.”
Key safety tips include:
– For any fire danger near dwellings, vegetation, or veld fires, call the toll-free emergency number 107.
– Avoid leaving burning charcoal inside the house overnight due to the risk of carbon monoxide.
– Use only approved fuels for heating units and avoid illegal electrical connections or overloading plugs.
– Supervise children around candles and ensure candles are placed in safe holders.
– Extinguish paraffin fires with sand or a fire extinguisher, and never leave an imbawula or coal fire unattended overnight.
Mnguni said these measures are crucial to safeguarding people, property, and the environment during winter.
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