DEMS

FIRE INCIDENT AT SIMMER AND JACK LANDFILL SITE IS UNDER CONTROL

By Thulasizwe City of Ekurhuleni 1145

The City of Ekurhuleni wishes to advise residents that the fire incident at the Simmer and Jack landfill site is currently under control. Security personnel notified the city and the ward councillor around 22:00 last night that a fire had broken out at the landfill site.

Our current investigation has confirmed that the fire came from the eastern slopes of cell 6 (the site facing Driekhook). The City’s Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS) expeditiously arrived on site and managed to extinguish the fire.

“I am delighted that there were no fatalities and injuries during this isolated incident. Our DEMS officials fought the fire swiftly and ensured that the blaze did not spread to residential households.

“We continue to urge residents to be cautious during the current heatwave and to practise the following fire safety precautions:

  • Keep matches, lighters, and other fire-starting materials out of reach of children
  • Keep flammable liquids, such as petrol, and cleaning supplies, stored in approved containers and well-ventilated areas
  • Use caution when using candles, and never leave them burning unattended and be aware of the potential fire hazards in your home and take steps to mitigate them.

Let’s get back-to-basics with regards to fire safety in the city,” said MMC for Waste Management Services, Environmental Resource Management, Parks and Cemeteries, Cllr Brandon Pretorius.

The city has temporarily closed the site for further investigations and clean-up operations. The city will provide regular updates to residents on the status of the landfill site.