KIMBERLEY – The Sol Plaatje Municipality’s Emergency Services in Kimberley, Northern Cape, has called on residents across the city to exercise extra caution during the current cold and wet weather. This follows a devastating fire that destroyed one room at a private residence in Herlear, an established suburb. The structural fire occurred early yesterday morning, Saturday. No fatalities were reported at the fire-gutted house.

Ryno Griesel, Safety Officer of Sol Plaatje Emergency Services, said the clarion call was particularly directed at residents using heaters and electric blankets. He said firefighters responded within four minutes and managed to contain and extinguish the fire before it could spread throughout the house. He said while the affected room was destroyed, the rest of the house suffered only smoke damage. The costs incurred due to the blaze are yet to be quantified, while the cause of the fire is under investigation.

Thabo Mothibi, spokesperson for the municipality, has commended the firefighters for their swift and professional response, preventing the fire from spreading further through the house.

Municipal data released ahead of the winter season indicated that the area registered at least 16 informal residential structure fires between January and early February alone, highlighting systemic heating and electrical risks in such communities. Previous fire incidents include a fatal fire that occurred in the Marikana informal settlement early in the year, claiming the life of a three-year-old child who was trapped inside an informal structure.

Precautionary measures:

• Never leave heaters unattended.
• Keep heaters away from curtains, bedding, and furniture.
• Never dry clothing on or directly in front of heaters.
• Check electric blankets, plugs, and electrical cords for damage.
• Avoid overloading electrical outlets and extension leads.
• Switch heating appliances off when they are no longer needed.
• Install and regularly test smoke alarms where possible.

In case of fire or any emergency: Sol Plaatje Emergency Services: 053 832 2222.