With the colder weather and with some people still working from home due to the lockdown regulations, Alberton has seen more house fires than usual.
Over the weekend, from June 12 to 14, legal authorities responded to four different house fires, three in the Alberante area and one in the Randhart area.
Fire incidents
“There is definitely an increase in house fires. Residents must make sure that their gas bottles are in working condition and do not leave a fire going indoors like in their lapas,” said Tyrone van der Merwe, CPS Security’s sales director.
On June 13 at around 7.30pm, CPS Security responded to an incident in Louw Wepener Street in Alberante where a gas bottle caught fire while the family was braaing.
“A small token of appreciation to Ekurhuleni Fire Department for their quick response as it resulted in minimal damage to the property,” said van der Merwe. He said that the other two incidents also took place in the Alberante area.
Chantal Peel from National Paramedical Services also informed the RECORD about another house fire in Grosskopf Street, Randhart, on June 13.
“The cause of the fire was allegedly due to an electrical blanket. The family was at home when the fire started and no injuries were reported.
“Make sure that you have a list of emergency numbers handy for any situation possible. We want to make sure everyone is taking the necessary steps to stay safe and we urge the community to be cautious,” said Peel.
Useful tips on how to prevent your house from going up in flames
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RSPA) has the following tips to prevent fire accidents:
• Keep all fires and heaters well-guarded, especially open fires.
• Keep portable heaters and candles away from furniture and curtains. Position them safely where they cannot be knocked over.
• Don’t dry or air clothes over or near the fire or the cooker.
• Do not smoke in bed.
• Many fires start in the kitchen, especially fat fires. Never leave a pan unattended when deep fat frying and watch for overheating.
• If there are children around, keep matches and lighters well out of reach.
• Fit approved smoke detectors on each floor. Choose a smoke alarm that is mains operated or one with a long life (10-year) battery.
• Plan your escape route.
