Another shack fire has claimed a man’s life in Doornkop, Soweto in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
City of Johannesburg emergency management services (EMS) responded to a report about the blaze at about 3am.
EMS spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi said upon arrival on the scene, the crew conducted a search and rescue operation, which led to the discovery of a charred body.
The body was identified as that of a 26-year-old man.
“He succumbed to smoke inhalation and was confirmed dead on the scene,” said Mulaudzi.
“No other injuries were reported during this fire incident and the cause of the fire incident is still a subject of an investigation.”
Since the start of winter, the EMS has recorded a rising number of fire incidents which have led to loss of lives.
On Sunday, two separate fire incidents were reported in George Goch and Kaya Sands in Johannesburg, where one person was killed.
Mulaudzi encouraged residents to continue to look after all heating devices while in use and not to leave them unattended.
“As part of our efforts to reduce fire incidents and fatalities, the City of Johannesburg EMS public education unit will be conducting a door-to-door campaign at informal settlements.”
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