Cause of Geduld house fire unknown
“The scene was handed over to the police to be investigated,” said Ntladi.
The cause of a fire at a house in Geduld last Monday is still undetermined.
This is according to William Ntladi, district manager media liaison for Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS).
The Advertiser reported on the fire in last week’s edition, ‘Argument gets heated’.
The house, which is situated next to the Geduld Cemetery, has in recent years become a haven for homeless people.
Springs police spokesperson Capt Johannes Ramphora claimed the fire was the result of an act of arson following an alleged altercation between two homeless men.
“The DEMS firefighting team from Springs Central Fire Station received a call from a resident concerning a structure on fire along 1st Street at 10.10am.
Also see: House fire leaves one injured, 16 stranded
“The crew arrived on the scene at 10.16am and found a dilapidated house on fire.
“It is alleged the house is occupied by homeless people in the area.
“Fire suppression was initiated and the flames extinguished without any further damage to adjacent structures.
“Extensive damage was done by the blaze before the arrival of firefighters as the walls were found to have cracked due to heat.
“The risk of possible structural collapse was imminent, hence the occupants weren’t allowed to be inside.
“No casualties were recorded on the scene and the cause of the fire is still undetermined.
“The scene was handed over to the police to be investigated,” said Ntladi.
