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12 May 2023
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Fire breaks out at Springs substation; multiple areas affected, Ekurhuleni
A fire broke out at the Kwa-Thema electrical sub-station in Springs, Ekurhuleni, on Thursday, 11 May 2023. William Ntladi, district manager media liaison at the City of Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS) said, “The incident happened at Kgaswane Street in Kwa-Thema. It was an electrical substation that burnt in the early hours around 04h00. DEMS fire fighters were alerted by a security officer at 04h30 of a substation that is well alight. Local crews backed up by Springs Central fire fighters swiftly responded to the scene for intervention. On arrival, a panel building was well alight threatening the main transformer next to it.”
Ntladi continued, “Deactivation and an all clear signal was initiated from electrical technicians for fire suppression to commence. Two industrial major pumpers were used augmented by fifteen seasoned fire fighters exclusive of senior officers. Two attack lines were used to attack the fire and also getting sustainable water supply from the nearby fire hydrant. The nearby transformer, which was subjected to ignite as well, was protected and saved. Flames were suppressed even though the entire building structure suffered extensive damage. The roof collapsed, panels supplying households with power were also damaged including cracked walls. In some instances, forcible entry using carborundum cutter had to be used to open other panel rooms. “
“No casualties were recorded as on scene. It is alleged that the fire started immediately after the scheduled load-shedding, which was between 00h00 midnight until 04h00 in the morning. The fire apparently started on re-energisation of the system; however, in-depth investigations are being conducted by the City of Ekurhuleni electrical department management to find the actual cause,” added Ntladi.
“The entire scene declared safe at around 09h00 the same day. Challenges faced included the safety aspect was more of live electric supply in the substation. Further than that, nothing else.”
The substation building and switchgear panels were damaged. Residents staying nearby were moved to a safe area to avoid smoke inhalation.
Source: William Ntladi, district manager media liaison: City of Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS)
Ntladi continued, “Deactivation and an all clear signal was initiated from electrical technicians for fire suppression to commence. Two industrial major pumpers were used augmented by fifteen seasoned fire fighters exclusive of senior officers. Two attack lines were used to attack the fire and also getting sustainable water supply from the nearby fire hydrant. The nearby transformer, which was subjected to ignite as well, was protected and saved. Flames were suppressed even though the entire building structure suffered extensive damage. The roof collapsed, panels supplying households with power were also damaged including cracked walls. In some instances, forcible entry using carborundum cutter had to be used to open other panel rooms. “
“No casualties were recorded as on scene. It is alleged that the fire started immediately after the scheduled load-shedding, which was between 00h00 midnight until 04h00 in the morning. The fire apparently started on re-energisation of the system; however, in-depth investigations are being conducted by the City of Ekurhuleni electrical department management to find the actual cause,” added Ntladi.
“The entire scene declared safe at around 09h00 the same day. Challenges faced included the safety aspect was more of live electric supply in the substation. Further than that, nothing else.”
The substation building and switchgear panels were damaged. Residents staying nearby were moved to a safe area to avoid smoke inhalation.
Source: William Ntladi, district manager media liaison: City of Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS)