Fires Across Pretoria Recks Havoc

On Thursday afternoon 26 September 2024, several destructive fires broke out across small holdings and fields in Pretoria, particularly in areas such as Witpoort, Tierpoort, and Pretoria East. These fires prompted ongoing efforts from Tshwane Emergency Management Services (EMS) to bring them under control. The South African Weather Service had issued a warning earlier about veld fires, citing the potential for rapid spread, which can cause significant property damage, loss of grazing land, and potential harm to both human and animal life.

Motorists were also advised to exercise caution due to poor visibility caused by smoke on the R21 and other surrounding roads. Precautionary measures for residents included staying indoors, wetting gardens, and sealing windows and doors. As of Thursday evening, firefighting efforts were still underway.

Unfortunately, another fire earlier on Saturday 21 September 2024 caused significant devastation at the Cemetery View informal settlement, leading to the loss of one life and critical injuries to two others.

The City of Tshwane Emergency Services responded to the devastating fire in Woodlake Street, Pretorius Park. The fire, reported at 04:07, rapidly spread through a large area of the informal settlement, engulfing multiple shacks. Firefighting teams from various stations, including Silverton and Hazelwood, arrived swiftly with extensive resources to combat the blaze. Despite their efforts, approximately 814 shacks were destroyed, leaving around 2600 people displaced. Emergency responders treated and transported several patients, including one with fatal burn injuries.