Three people have died in a fire in Gauteng as a severe cold front sweeps across South Africa, the City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services (EMS) confirmed. The victims were reportedly trying to keep warm amid plummeting temperatures.
The South African Weather Service has warned of a cold front moving in from the west, with localized snowfall expected in some regions early this week. EMS spokesperson Nana Kgiba urged residents to exercise extreme caution when using heating devices, as the risk of fires increases during winter.
“This cold weekend has already seen multiple fire incidents,” Kgiba said. “We responded to several calls, but tragically, three lives were lost in two separate fires. We are on high alert and urge people to be very careful as the freezing weather persists.”
Authorities have also raised concerns over potential snow in parts of Gauteng, with Johannesburg bracing for extremely low temperatures even if snowfall does not reach the city. Kgiba warned that residents relying on heaters, stoves, and other warming methods could face heightened fire hazards.
Meanwhile, the City of Johannesburg has placed disaster management teams on standby to respond to emergencies as the cold spell continues. Officials have reiterated safety precautions, including proper ventilation when using gas heaters and avoiding open flames near flammable materials.
As winter tightens its grip, the public is urged to stay vigilant to prevent further tragedies.