An unattended gas stove resulted in a huge fire which swept over 10 shacks in Zandspruit on Wednesday, 4 July.
Families were left in destitute conditions as the blaze destroyed all their belongings. Fortunately, no injuries were reported on the scene and City of Johannesburg Emergency Services firefighters responded with immediacy to prevent the fire from spreading to neighbouring shacks.
Ward 114 councillor Victor Mafinya, who got his hands dirty trying to demolish the remaining structures as families tried to collect undamaged items, said the fire has given him the drive to educate the community about fire safety.
“I will go and start block meetings informing residents to be cautious of leaving appliances unattended,” he said.
He added that he will emphasise that they must double check every appliance before leaving their homes. “I’ve been praying each and every day for shack fires not to happen because I know it’s very difficult for my people to find alternative accommodation because we don’t have halls or enough schools in Zandspruit,” Mafinya explained.
Also Read: Cosmo City Fire Station successfully opened
The fire occurred just two days after about 40 families in Alexandra and Soweto suffered a similar ordeal.
Prior to the significant drop in temperatures this week, Joburg EMS spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi urged residents not to leave heaters unattended.
He also reassured the public that EMS will remain on high alert to make sure that they are able to respond to any emergency that might occur, with the main focus on the 189 informal settlements throughout the city.
Honeydew Police Warrant Officer Leshaba Ramalatso said any people willing to donate to the families can do so via the Honeydew Sector 4 Community Policing Forum and can contact him on 083 681 1951.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at northsider@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 955 1130.
For free daily local news on the West Rand, also visit our sister newspaper websites
