15 Rescued from Burning Building in Katlehong Amid String of Ekurhuleni Fires

At least 15 people were rescued after a fire erupted in a building on Ndhlovu Street in the Ngema Section of Katlehong on Wednesday night. The building, previously used as a business premises, had been converted into informal residential accommodation.

The City of Ekurhuleni Fire Department confirmed the blaze broke out around 8:59 PM, with fire crews from Zonkezizwe Fire Station arriving to find the structure already “well alight.” The situation was so severe that reinforcements were dispatched from Brakpan, Germiston, and Alberton.

“The swift response prevented the fire from spreading to adjacent buildings. All 15 residents were safely evacuated and moved to temporary accommodation,” said the city in a statement.

No injuries have been reported, and the cause of the fire is under investigation.

A City on Fire: Third Blaze in Days

This incident is the latest in a series of fires that have plagued Ekurhuleni this week, raising alarms about fire safety in both urban and informal housing.

Just hours before the Katlehong fire, a man in his thirties died when a multiple-shack fire broke out in the Makausi informal settlement near Primrose.

“Several shacks were engulfed in flames. Sadly, we discovered the partially burnt body of an adult male among the debris,” said William Ntladi, spokesperson for Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS).

That fire, which erupted at 1 AM on Wednesday, destroyed eight shacks.

Tragically, on Sunday, a 22-year-old man and a baby also lost their lives in another shack fire in Arla Park Extension 3, Nigel, in the early morning hours.

Temporary Shelter, Permanent Concerns

The 15 survivors of the Katlehong fire have been temporarily housed by the local ward councillor’s office. However, the event adds to growing concerns about safety in repurposed and informal structures, where fire hazards are often underestimated.

Emergency officials and civil society organisations are again calling for stricter building compliance, community education on fire prevention, and improved emergency response infrastructure, particularly in vulnerable communities.

Authorities Urge Vigilance

The Ekurhuleni Fire Department has not yet disclosed the possible cause of the Katlehong fire but has committed to a full investigation. Meanwhile, DEMS continues to appeal to residents to report fire hazards, refrain from unsafe electricity connections, and ensure adequate space between structures to help limit the spread of fire.

“We’ve seen too many lives lost in the past week. Preventative action and community cooperation are now more critical than ever,” said Ntladi.

As the winter chill settles in and the use of heating devices increases, officials warn that fire risks escalate sharply in low-income and high-density areas. The city says it will continue conducting fire safety education campaigns across Ekurhuleni to help prevent further tragedies.

{Source: The Citizen}

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