A fire broke out at Rayton Park Plaza in Tshwane this week, sending plumes of smoke into the night sky. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and swift action by the City of Tshwane Emergency Services Department prevented further damage to nearby structures.
Fire Breaks Out at Rayton Park Plaza
The blaze erupted on Tuesday night at approximately 10:00 PM, affecting a shop located at the corner of Main Road and Treurnicht Street in Rayton Park Plaza. Tshwane Emergency Services spokesperson, Lindsay Zwelithini Mnguni, confirmed that firefighters responded swiftly, arriving at the scene to find flames engulfing a section of the building.
“Upon arrival, the firefighters found that a shop was on fire, and smoke was billowing from the roof after the ceiling had collapsed,” said Mnguni.
To combat the flames, emergency personnel established incident command and deployed specialized firefighting equipment, including the Positive Pressure Ventilation (PPV) unit, which helped clear the smoke. The Rayton Park Fire was successfully extinguished by 11:51 PM.
Fire Containment Efforts at Rayton Park Plaza
Mnguni explained that the fire was contained within the shop’s kitchen area, preventing the flames from spreading further. The quick response ensured that other stores and structures within Rayton Park Plaza were not affected.
“It was after hours, and no one was inside the building. No injuries were reported in this incident,” Mnguni stated.
Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the Rayton Park Fire, and investigations are ongoing.
Safety Measures and Fire Prevention Tips
Following the Rayton Park Plaza fire, emergency services are urging the public to remain vigilant and adhere to fire safety precautions to prevent similar incidents. Mnguni advised residents to:
- Dial 107 for emergency assistance in case of fire danger exposure to buildings, dwellings, or veld fires.
- Avoid illegal electricity connections, as these can lead to electrical fires.
- Never leave children unattended near an open flame or burning candles.
- Extinguish paraffin fires with sand or a fire extinguisher—never use water.
- Do not leave burning charcoal inside the house while sleeping, as it produces toxic carbon monoxide.
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The Rayton Park Fire was a serious incident, but thanks to the swift response of Tshwane Emergency Services, Rayton Park Plaza was spared from extensive damage. While no injuries were reported, authorities emphasize the importance of fire safety awareness to protect lives and property.
As investigations continue into the cause of the blaze, residents and businesses in Tshwane are encouraged to remain proactive in fire prevention efforts to avoid future disasters.