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27 September 2024
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One person killed and two injured in multiple-shack fire in Cemetery View informal settlement, Pretoria
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The City of Tshwane Emergency Services Department responded to multiple shacks on fire in Woodlake Street in Pretorius Park on the morning of 21 September 2024. “The multiple-shack fire was reported to the City of Tshwane Emergency Call Centre at about 04:07. The centre immediately dispatched multiple firefighting resources from Silverton Fire Station, Hazelwood Fire Station, Central Fire Station, Mamelodi Fire Station, Centurion Fire Station and Heuweloord Fire Station to the scene. These included two fire trucks, an industrial pumper, a mobile command unit, two rapid intervention units, a water carrier and a district commander’s unit.”, said Lindsay Mnguni, acting public information and media liaison officer, City of Tshwane Emergency Services.
He added, “Upon arrival firefighters reported that a large area in the informal settlement was on fire with multiple shacks well alight and many people were standing outside. Firefighters then started with firefighting operations and initiated evacuation procedures.”
“Firefighters saved numerous shacks from being destroyed by the fire, which was extinguished at about 05h05. About 814 shacks burned down and about 2 600 people were affected by the fire.”
“One male patient was treated on-site and transported to Steve Biko Academic Hospital for critical burn injuries. Another female patient with a critical medical condition was also treated on-site and transported to Mamelodi Hospital. A third patient sadly suffered fatal burn injuries. Gauteng Provincial Government Emergency Medical Services are managing all emergencies pertaining to patients in this regard.”
“Our Disaster Risk Management officials are working with various stakeholders (City of Tshwane Human Settlements Department, City of Tshwane Community and Social Development Department, Gauteng Provincial Disaster Management Centre, Tshwane Metro Police Department and South African Police Service) and private entities such as the Lawyers for Human Rights to provide assistance for those affected by the fire”, said Mnguni.
The cause of the fire has not yet been determined and the scene is declared as a hot zone and a crime scene.
Source: Lindsay Zwelithini Mnguni, acting public information and media liaison officer, City of Tshwane Emergency Services
He added, “Upon arrival firefighters reported that a large area in the informal settlement was on fire with multiple shacks well alight and many people were standing outside. Firefighters then started with firefighting operations and initiated evacuation procedures.”
“Firefighters saved numerous shacks from being destroyed by the fire, which was extinguished at about 05h05. About 814 shacks burned down and about 2 600 people were affected by the fire.”
“One male patient was treated on-site and transported to Steve Biko Academic Hospital for critical burn injuries. Another female patient with a critical medical condition was also treated on-site and transported to Mamelodi Hospital. A third patient sadly suffered fatal burn injuries. Gauteng Provincial Government Emergency Medical Services are managing all emergencies pertaining to patients in this regard.”
“Our Disaster Risk Management officials are working with various stakeholders (City of Tshwane Human Settlements Department, City of Tshwane Community and Social Development Department, Gauteng Provincial Disaster Management Centre, Tshwane Metro Police Department and South African Police Service) and private entities such as the Lawyers for Human Rights to provide assistance for those affected by the fire”, said Mnguni.
The cause of the fire has not yet been determined and the scene is declared as a hot zone and a crime scene.
Source: Lindsay Zwelithini Mnguni, acting public information and media liaison officer, City of Tshwane Emergency Services
