By: Prudence Nhavingo
Many cars were destroyed by an outbuilding fire at a scrapyard in Booysens, Pretoria West. The City of Tshwane Emergency Services Department responded to the fire incident on Malile Street.
The fire at the scrapyard was reported to the City of Tshwane Emergency Service Call Centre (ECC) around 15:02. The ECC responded immediately by dispatching a grassfire unit and a rapid intervention unit from the Phillip Nel Park Fire Station, along with additional firefighting resources from various stations, including Atteridgeville, Bosman, Innesdale, Heuweloord, and Centurion, for backup.
“The reason scrapyards should be on the outskirts of the city is that many owners are involved in car hijackings,” said Mulalo Wa Vhadau, a Pretoria West resident.
Upon arrival, the units found several vehicles on fire and immediately began firefighting operations to prevent the blaze from spreading to a nearby factory. They used two fire trucks, a water tanker, and a ladder. The fire was extinguished around 16:34. No injuries were reported, and the cause of the fire has not yet been determined.
Members of the public are urged to be cautious during winter to ensure the safety and well-being of people, animals, and property by following these precautionary measures: If there is a fire incident, call the toll-free number 107 for emergencies; burning charcoal produces large amounts of carbon monoxide, so do not leave it in the house while sleeping.
“Some of the vehicles were stolen, hijacked, and stripped for auto parts—good riddance,” said Godfather Mohlanga.
Never use fuels that are not designed for your heating unit, do not carry out unapproved controlled burning, never leave children unattended near a burning candle or fire, ensure all candles are placed in safe holders, and avoid illegal electricity connections. Never overload electricity plugs, do not leave an imbawula or coal fire burning overnight without supervision, and extinguish paraffin fires with sand or a fire extinguisher.
“Keep warm but be safe,” commented the City of Tshwane Emergency Service Department.
