A two-storey building under renovation for student accommodation in Sunnyside, Tshwane, was severely damaged by a fire that broke out late on Sunday night. The incident, which occurred shortly after 11 pm, prompted an immediate response from Tshwane’s emergency services.
Lindsay Zwelithini Mnguni, a spokesperson for the emergency services, explained that when firefighters arrived at the scene, they found a fierce blaze spreading rapidly across rooms separated by thin partition walls. The fire’s intensity posed a significant challenge, but the emergency responders acted quickly to prevent further damage.
“Firefighters immediately took charge of the situation, launching aggressive firefighting operations to contain the flames and protect nearby structures,” Mnguni said. The team worked tirelessly to ensure that the fire remained contained to the building, managing to limit its impact to just eight rooms and two hallways.
In addition to battling the blaze, the firefighters successfully shielded a nearby building from the flames, preventing any damage to the exposed structure. Their quick and coordinated actions were crucial in minimizing the overall destruction.
By the early hours of the morning, just before 3 am, the fire was completely extinguished, and the scene was left under control. Fortunately, no injuries or fatalities were reported, and the building’s residents were unharmed.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, with authorities yet to determine the exact source of the blaze. Mnguni noted that the Tshwane Metro Police, South African Police Service, and other support teams had also been on-site, assisting with managing the incident.
For those wishing to report a fire or any rescue incident in the future, Mnguni reminded the public to call the emergency toll-free number 107 or alternatively reach out to 012 358 6300/6400.
