Sameera Casmod | sameerac@radioislam.co.za
30 August 2023 | 11:00am SAST
2-min read

Picture: eNCA

Gauteng – The past month has been marked by a series of fire incidents in Gauteng, with nearly 50 blazes reported in August alone. While some fires resulted in the loss of material possessions, the tragic pinnacle was reached when a shack fire in Laudium claimed the lives of five young children. As the region grapples with this toll, discussions with Johannesburg Emergency Services’ Robert Mulaudzi underscore the urgent necessity for heightened fire safety awareness and proactive community involvement.

The high frequency of fire incidents in August raises questions about the underlying factors. In an interview on Radio Islam International, Mulaudzi explained that the surge is linked to seasonal trends. “During the months of May, June, and July, South Africa experiences extremely cold temperatures,” Mulaudzi pointed out. As a result, residents in informal settlements often resort to heating devices such as paraffin stoves, candles, and mbaula (heaters/stoves) to stave off the chill. Unfortunately, this practice can turn hazardous when these devices are mishandled or left unattended.

Mulaudzi identified two primary factors contributing to the rise in fires. “The main causes of the fire incidents are, firstly, the heating devices which are left unattended. That would be the main cause of these fire incidents which we have mostly in our communities out there. And also, the other causes would be accidents which happen when young kids are left alone.” In instances where children are left unsupervised, the temptation to use heating devices without proper understanding can lead to dire consequences.

Tackling this issue requires a collective approach, encompassing both governmental initiatives and community-driven actions. Mulaudzi underlined the crucial role of proactive community engagement, urging residents to participate in fire safety education programs. “We are encouraging our communities out there to be part of this community training so that they are given skills to be able to deal with emergencies.”

To support this effort, Johannesburg Emergency Services has established accessible centres throughout the city, providing resources and information for fire safety training. Moreover, Mulaudzi stressed the importance of responsible behaviour when dealing with heating devices, especially in households with children.

In the situation where an individual is trapped inside a burning structure, Mulaudzi provided essential guidance. “First thing is to evacuate. Try and crawl low and move away,” he recommended. He highlighted the benefits of crawling for visibility and oxygen intake. Once outside, emergency services can be reached through the Johannesburg Emergency Services call centre number, 011 375 5911, or the toll-free number 10177.

Listen to the full interview on Sabaahul Muslim with Moulana Junaid Kharsany here.