Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, a key healthcare institution in Gauteng, faced yet another fire incident on October 6, 2025, when a blaze broke out in its female psychiatry ward. This event has raised ongoing concerns about hospital safety protocols, especially in psychiatric facilities.
The Fire at Charlotte Maxeke Hospital
The incident occurred in the hospital’s psychiatry ward on the ninth floor. According to the Gauteng Department of Health, a female psychiatric patient set fire to her bed after demanding to be discharged. The patient, agitated and frustrated, started the blaze in an attempt to hasten her release.
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Quote from Gauteng Department of Health: “A mental health patient set fire to her bed while demanding to be discharged. Fortunately, there are no injuries sustained as a result of this incident.”
Swift Response and Containment
Security personnel at Charlotte Maxeke Hospital acted quickly to contain the fire. They used fire extinguishers to manage the situation before it could spread to other parts of the ward. As a precautionary measure, the hospital staff immediately relocated other patients from the affected area to ensure their safety.
The City of Johannesburg Fire Department also attended the scene, confirming that the fire had already been extinguished by the time they arrived. Their team focused on clearing smoke from the area and ensuring the ward was safe for re-entry. Despite the scare, the hospital remained fully operational, and no injuries were reported.
Quote from Kagiso Phasha, Joburg EMS Spokesperson: “On arrival, fire crews confirmed that the fire had been extinguished before their arrival.”
History of Fire Incidents at Charlotte Maxeke Hospital
This recent fire is far from the first to impact Charlotte Maxeke Hospital. In April 2021, a significant blaze severely damaged the hospital, causing major operational disruptions. The damage resulted in patient evacuations and redirected services to other hospitals, including Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital.
The fire in 2021 was later deemed arson, according to a forensic report. The damage prompted extensive repairs and led to heightened concerns about the hospital’s fire safety measures. Hospital management has since been focused on improving fire safety protocols and implementing necessary infrastructure upgrades.
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Hospital Management’s Response
In response to the latest fire, the Gauteng Department of Health emphasised the quick actions taken by hospital staff to safeguard patients and contain the situation. Police were on-site to assist with the investigation, and a thorough clean-up operation was initiated to ensure the affected area was safe for use.
Quote from Gauteng Department of Health: “Hospital management and staff have taken immediate measures to ensure the safety and well-being of all patients in the ward.”
Despite the ongoing repairs from the 2021 fire, the recent incident has again called attention to the challenges of maintaining fire safety in public hospitals, especially in psychiatric wards where incidents like this are more common.
Challenges with Fire Safety in Gauteng Hospitals
This latest fire at Charlotte Maxeke Hospital highlights the persistent challenges hospitals face when it comes to fire safety, especially in older facilities. Inadequate fire prevention measures, such as faulty fire doors and outdated smoke detection systems, have been identified as contributing factors in past incidents.
Gauteng’s hospitals, including CMJAH, are facing critical budget shortfalls for necessary upgrades. According to reports, the estimated R1.7 billion required to implement full fire safety compliance at Charlotte Maxeke is still not fully funded. This lack of investment in vital infrastructure poses a significant risk to both staff and patients.
Quote from Jack Bloom, DA Gauteng Shadow Health MEC: “How can we have fires breaking out so often at our hospitals? It’s quite a concern.”
Ongoing Investigations and Improvements
As investigations continue, the Gauteng Department of Health has assured the public that all measures are being taken to address the incident and prevent future occurrences. The hospital is still undergoing phased repairs, with Block 4 and Block 5 North currently being reconstructed. However, comprehensive upgrades to fire safety systems, including the installation of new smoke doors and fire hydrants, are expected to be completed by August 2026.
In the meantime, CMJAH’s staff remains committed to providing care to patients while ensuring their safety is a top priority.
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The Future of Charlotte Maxeke Hospital
The fire at Charlotte Maxeke Hospital is a stark reminder of the importance of continuous investment in public healthcare infrastructure. With the hospital’s fire safety measures still under review and critical repairs underway, it remains to be seen how effectively future incidents will be prevented. However, this recent event underscores the need for ongoing vigilance and proactive management.
