|
|
|
|
|
17 March 2023
|
Msunduzi crews respond to structural fire in West Street, Pietermaritzburg
|
|
A fire broke out at an old building on West Street, Pietermaritzburg on Monday, 6 March 2023. CFO Essack Khan, chief fire officer at Msunduzi Fire and Rescue said, “The call was received at 16h52 and first dispatch was at 16h57with crew in attendance at 17h02. The fire broke out at a very old building, a single storey dwelling used as business premises operating as ‘All about Bolts’. The corrugated roof was covered by Marley tiles and the premises were almost totally engulfed by fire.”
CFO Khan said, “Two fire stations responded with a major pumper each and command vehicle with a total of 12 staff members. Fire Prevention was called to scene of fire. Fire fighters forced entry using bolt cutters and used two main lines, wearing breathing apparatus to extinguish fire. Due to the lack of ventilation the fire spread rapidly causing the roof collapse.”
“The fire spread very rapidly due to the wooden floors, roof structure beams, rafters that were very dry. Most rooms had access doors locked. Forced entry carried out in order to access fire. The house was totally gutted. Challenges faced: Due to high crime rate in the area, business premises installed extra burglar gates etc. The incident was closed at 20h53.”
The building is believed to contain paint products, hardware and commercial metal products.
Sources: CFO Essack Khan, chief fire officer, Msunduzi Fire and Rescue; IOL
CFO Khan said, “Two fire stations responded with a major pumper each and command vehicle with a total of 12 staff members. Fire Prevention was called to scene of fire. Fire fighters forced entry using bolt cutters and used two main lines, wearing breathing apparatus to extinguish fire. Due to the lack of ventilation the fire spread rapidly causing the roof collapse.”
“The fire spread very rapidly due to the wooden floors, roof structure beams, rafters that were very dry. Most rooms had access doors locked. Forced entry carried out in order to access fire. The house was totally gutted. Challenges faced: Due to high crime rate in the area, business premises installed extra burglar gates etc. The incident was closed at 20h53.”
The building is believed to contain paint products, hardware and commercial metal products.
Sources: CFO Essack Khan, chief fire officer, Msunduzi Fire and Rescue; IOL
