Dozens of shacks have been destroyed in a blazeš„ in #Alexandra this afternoon. The building on fire is close to the Alexandra magistrate court in Wynberg area. Joburg Fire department on scene.
People were rushed to the Alex Health Care Centre for smoke inhalation treatment following the inferno that broke out at about 3pm. The cause of the fire is unknown and still under investigation.
Scores of people, some of whom have young children, had to endure the cold night on the streets guarding what they managed to retrieve their remaining valuables. Johannesburg Emergency Management Services (JEMS) spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi said the cause of the fire was not yet known and the Cityās disaster management team was combing the site for as to what could have sparked the fire.
He urged residents, especially those residing in the informal settlements, not to leave their heating appliances and candles unattended.
āItās that time of the year again when household fires are prone and we take this opportunity to remind the residents not to leave appliances and their paraffin-fired stoves and candles unattended.ā