A two-year-old boy dies in a shack fire in Gqeberha

A two-year-old boy died in a fire after the family shack was gutted during the early hours of this morning in Kingstown informal settlement in Despatch, Gqeberha.

ALSO READ: More than 10 shacks burn down in Alexandra fires

Shack engulfed by fire

It is alleged that at about 00:15, the owner of the shack was woken by the smell of smoke and fire.

He ran out of the shack to get help and was assisted by the community members to save his family.

ALSO READ: Climate change and the risk of extreme wildfires around Cape Town

Seven people were assisted however when the shack was completely engulfed by the fire, they realised that one child was still not accounted for.

Little Adriaan Leeuskieter perished in the blaze. It is suspected that a candle may have been the cause of the fire.

Police are investigating an inquest into the matter.

ALSO READ: Tips on avoiding wild and house fire

FIRE BREAKOUT IN ALEX

Johannesburg Emergency Services spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi, a 27-year-old woman was rushed to hospital after suffering from shack fire smoke inhalation on the 26 of April.

“One fire was reported in the Far East Bank and the other one was reported along 16th Avenue,” said Mulaudzi.

ALSO READ: Paarl Mountain fire ‘contained’, firefighters to monitor situation overnight

Mulaudzi said the fire reported in the Far East Bank destroyed 10 shacks, while affecting the other six shacks in Alexandra. 

“At least there were no injuries that happened in the 16th Avenue fire and the person who was affected by smoke inhalation was transported to a health care facility by our provincial healthcare services,” he added.

ALSO READ: Watch: Fire rages on Signal Hill, as Cape Town authorities respond

Here are some tips on avoiding shack fires during this winter:

• Ensure that you completely put off the fire when you are done using it for cooking or to keep warm. This will prevent an outbreak in case unexpected winds blow.
• Make sure that you always switch off electrical plugs and unplug appliances such as irons and kettles in your house when you are done using them or whenever there are power cuts. Longer hours of load shedding increase chances of house fires. 
• Teach your children different exit points that they can use in case of a fire emergency.
• Avoid and report illegal electricity connections because they normally cause house fires.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ARTICLES BY CWENGA MAQHUBELA