By Marcus Moloko
The City of Johannesburg has issued a reminder to residents about the dangers of uncontrolled fires, urging communities to treat fire safety as a collective responsibility.
In a recent public awareness campaign, the city highlighted the risks associated with open flames, including bonfires, braais, and informal heating methods often used during festive gatherings or colder evenings.
“Safety is our collective responsibility. An uncontrollable fire spreads quickly; be careful with open flames,” the city said.
The warning is particularly relevant in densely populated areas where informal housing and limited firefighting access can cause small fires to escalate into devastating incidents.
Bonfires, while a popular social tradition, pose significant risks if not managed responsibly.
Sparks can ignite nearby structures, dry vegetation, or flammable materials, leading to rapid fire spread.
The City of Johannesburg advises residents to keep bonfires contained, avoid lighting them near homes or power lines, and ensure water or sand is readily available to extinguish flames if necessary.
The campaign also emphasises the importance of community vigilance.
Residents are encouraged to report emergencies immediately by dialling 112 or 011 375 5911, ensuring that professional firefighters can respond before a blaze becomes unmanageable.
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