The Johannesburg Emergency Management Services is expanding public education on safe heating after four toddlers died in shack fires this week. Officials are urging residents to avoid bringing braziers indoors. The move comes as winter raises fire risks in informal settlements.
Two of the children died on Monday in Slovoville, Soweto. The other two died on Wednesday in the Zamimpilo Informal Settlement. Johannesburg Emergency Management Services spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi said the education programmes will focus on keeping warm without creating deadly hazards.
Mulaudzi noted that fire incidents typically increase during winter in informal areas. He warned that braziers become dangerous when taken inside shacks, releasing toxic fumes that can cause fatalities overnight.
The service aims to reach communities directly with advice on safer heating options. No further details on the specific programme dates were released in the announcement.