Deadly Shack Fires Rock Ekurhuleni: Three Lives Lost in One Week

Back-to-back infernos devastate communities as winter grips Gauteng’s informal settlements

Tragedy has once again struck Ekurhuleni’s vulnerable informal communities. In less than a week, two separate shack fires have claimed three lives, including a young child, igniting serious concerns about fire safety in the city’s densely populated settlements.

Early Morning Blaze Claims One in Makausi

Just before 1am on Wednesday, emergency crews rushed to the Makausi informal settlement near Primrose after a call came through to the local fire station. By the time Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS) arrived, multiple shacks were already ablaze.

“Several shacks were on fire, threatening those nearby. Crews acted swiftly, containing the flames with water from fire engines to stop the spread,” said DEMS spokesperson William Ntladi.

Despite their efforts, one man, believed to be in his 30s, was found dead in the wreckage of a partially burned shack. Paramedics from Gauteng Provincial Government ambulance services declared him deceased at the scene.

The cause of the fire remains unknown, and police have taken over the investigation. Eight shacks were destroyed in the fire, displacing multiple families.

Sunday Fire in Nigel Kills Man and Baby

Just days earlier, in the early hours of Sunday morning, another fire broke out at Arla Park Extension 3 in Nigel. This time, the inferno claimed two lives, a 22-year-old man and a 2-year-old child.

According to Ekurhuleni Emergency Services spokesperson Maswazi Mdluli, the blaze had fully engulfed a multi-room shack by the time crews arrived, with desperate community members trying to douse the flames with water buckets and makeshift tools.

After firefighters brought the fire under control, a grim search revealed the charred remains of the two victims. An 8-year-old child, who managed to escape with minor burns, was rushed to Pholosong Hospital for treatment.

Winter’s Grip and Fire Risks in Informal Settlements

These back-to-back tragedies serve as a devastating reminder of the fire risks faced by residents in Gauteng’s informal settlements, especially during winter. With freezing nights and limited access to safe heating, many households turn to paraffin stoves, open flames, and illegal electricity connections, often without proper ventilation or safety precautions.

Winter is notorious for shack fires, as residents attempt to stay warm in overcrowded and flammable structures built from wood, plastic, and scrap metal.

Community Reaction: Grief and Frustration

Social media has been filled with sorrow and frustration following news of the deaths. “These fires happen every year. When will government act to prevent these losses?” one user posted on X (formerly Twitter). Others called for better infrastructure, access to electricity, and formal housing solutions.

Community members in both Makausi and Arla Park have expressed anger at the slow pace of government housing initiatives, saying they feel abandoned in dangerous conditions.

Ongoing Investigations

Police and fire safety officers are still probing the cause of both fires. While foul play hasn’t been ruled out, early indications point to the usual suspects: makeshift heating or cooking sources.

In both incidents, authorities commended community members for trying to help before firefighters arrived, but warned that such actions can be dangerous and urged residents to call emergency services immediately.

A Growing Crisis

Ekurhuleni has long grappled with the issue of informal settlements and the difficulty of providing essential services like water, electricity, and fire safety infrastructure.

With the winter chill only just beginning, residents are pleading for urgent interventions to prevent more deaths.

What You Can Do:

• Report fire hazards or illegal electricity connections in your community

• Keep flammable materials away from heat sources

• Never leave open flames or stoves unattended

• Store paraffin and gas safely

• Educate children about fire safety

The recent shack fires in Ekurhuleni highlight a recurring and preventable, crisis. As winter deepens, so do the dangers for those living in informal housing. These tragic deaths underline the urgent need for fire safety education, quicker housing reform, and better emergency preparedness in South Africa’s most at-risk communities.

Heartbreaking Shack Fire in Ekurhuleni Claims Toddler and Young Man’s Lives

{Source: The Citizen}

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