Fire engulfs squatters’ home in Johannesburg

Yet another blaze in an abandoned building in central Johannesburg has been reported on Friday.

Nobody is known to have died in the old factory building, which had been home to hundreds of squatters living there in makeshift shacks.

According to local reports, firefighters were quick to reach the scene in the city’s central business district and successfully put out the fire. It’s not known what caused it and investigations have been promised.

One person is being treated for smoke inhalation and alternative accommodation will be offered to the people who had been living there, the authorities say.

This particular building was close to another in Johannesburg that had burnt down a few weeks ago. The city has initiated an inspection of buildings deemed to pose a fire risk.

On Friday, the mayoral committee for public safety said it remained on high alert and commended firefighters for their “fast response”.
By Muthoni Muchiri