A woman has died after a shack fire tore through two structures in Pretoria West, making it the third major informal settlement fire reported in Tshwane this winter. The latest tragedy has renewed concerns about fire safety as colder temperatures drive increased use of heaters, electric blankets, candles and cooking appliances across Gauteng.
Emergency services responded to the Bremer Street informal settlement, known locally as Groen Containers, where the blaze claimed one life. Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire, but officials say the incident is another reminder that winter is one of the most dangerous seasons for household fires.
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Woman Dies in Pretoria West Shack Fire
According to the City of Tshwane, firefighters were called to the Bremer Street informal settlement on Tuesday morning after two shacks caught alight.
Emergency crews extinguished the blaze before discovering the body of a woman inside one of the destroyed structures.
Authorities have opened an investigation into the cause of the fire while emergency teams continue assessing the scene.
The incident follows two devastating fires at Plastic View informal settlement in Pretoria East earlier this winter, where approximately 250 shacks were destroyed across two separate incidents.
Why Winter Fires Increase
Every winter, fire departments across Gauteng respond to a rise in residential fires.
Lower temperatures mean many households rely on heaters, paraffin stoves, electric blankets, candles and overloaded electrical plugs to stay warm.
When combined with ageing electrical wiring, illegal electricity connections, unattended cooking or flammable building materials, a small flame can quickly become a deadly fire.
In informal settlements, where homes are often built close together, fires can spread within minutes.
However, fire risks are not limited to informal settlements.
House fires in formal homes, apartments and complexes are also common during winter due to faulty appliances and unsafe heating practices.
Common Causes of Winter House Fires
Fire officials say many winter fires are preventable.
Some of the most common causes include:
- Leaving heaters switched on while sleeping
- Faulty or old electric blankets
- Overloading plug points with multiple appliances
- Damaged extension cords
- Candles left burning unattended
- Paraffin stoves placed near curtains or bedding
- Cooking left unattended on stoves
- Charging devices overnight on beds or couches
- Using braziers or open flames inside enclosed spaces
How to Reduce Fire Risks at Home
Residents can significantly reduce the chances of a fire by following simple safety precautions.
Electrical Safety
- Avoid plugging multiple high-powered appliances into one outlet.
- Replace damaged extension cords immediately.
- Switch off heaters and electric blankets before leaving home or going to sleep.
- Never run electrical cords underneath carpets or rugs.
- Have faulty wiring repaired by a qualified electrician.
Heater and Electric Blanket Safety
Portable heaters should always be placed on a flat surface and kept at least one metre away from curtains, furniture, bedding and clothing.
Electric blankets should be inspected before winter and replaced if wiring appears damaged or worn.
Avoid folding electric blankets while switched on.
Candle Safety
If candles are used during load shedding or power outages:
- Place them on stable, non-flammable surfaces.
- Keep them away from children and pets.
- Never leave a room with a candle still burning.
- Extinguish candles before going to sleep.
Kitchen Fire Safety
Cooking remains one of the leading causes of household fires.
Residents should:
- Never leave food cooking unattended.
- Keep towels, paper and plastic away from stove plates.
- Turn pot handles inward.
- Switch off gas cylinders correctly after use.
Fire Safety in Informal Settlements
Community leaders continue to raise concerns about overcrowding and illegal recycling sites operating near homes.
Pretoria West ward councillor Leon Kruyshaar said combustible materials stored close to residential structures significantly increase fire risks.
He also highlighted the dangers posed by illegal recycling depots, saying they create additional hazards in already densely populated communities.
According to emergency officials, access roads in many informal settlements are narrow, making it difficult for fire engines to reach burning structures quickly.
What To Do If a Fire Starts
If a fire breaks out:
- Get everyone out immediately.
- Do not return inside to collect belongings.
- Call emergency services as soon as it is safe.
- Close doors behind you where possible to slow the spread of flames.
- If clothing catches fire, remember: Stop, Drop and Roll.
- If smoke fills a room, crawl close to the floor where the air is cleaner.
What This Means for Gauteng Residents
The Pretoria West tragedy serves as a reminder that winter fire risks affect every household, regardless of where people live.
While informal settlements remain especially vulnerable because of overcrowding and flammable building materials, fires in formal homes often result from faulty electrical appliances, overloaded plugs, unattended heaters and unsafe cooking practices.
As temperatures continue dropping across Gauteng, emergency services are urging residents to review fire safety practices, check electrical appliances and avoid leaving heating devices unattended.
Simple precautions can help prevent injuries, property damage and the loss of life.
FAQ
Why are fires more common during winter?
People use more heaters, candles, paraffin stoves, electric blankets and cooking appliances during cold weather, increasing the risk of accidental fires.
Can electric blankets start fires?
Yes. Old, damaged or incorrectly used electric blankets can overheat and ignite bedding or clothing.
Is it safe to leave a heater on overnight?
Emergency services advise switching heaters off before sleeping unless they are specifically designed for continuous overnight use and are operated according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
What should I do if I smell burning electrical wiring?
Switch off the electricity if it is safe to do so, avoid using the affected appliance and contact a qualified electrician.
What should residents do if a fire breaks out?
Leave the building immediately, help others evacuate if it is safe, and contact emergency services as soon as possible.
What Happens Next?
Authorities are investigating the cause of the Pretoria West fire while emergency services continue winter fire awareness campaigns across Gauteng. With cold conditions expected to continue over the coming weeks, officials are urging residents to remain vigilant and practise safe heating, cooking and electrical appliance use to reduce the risk of further tragedies.
