CHAOS IN THE CBD: Firefighters Race To Blaze At Joburg High-Rise

Emergency teams were deployed in the early hours of Friday morning after a fire broke out in a multi-storey building in the Johannesburg city centre.

Fire Breaks Out at Joburg CBD High-Rise

City of Joburg Emergency Management Services (EMS) firefighters were called out shortly after 3am to a blaze at the corner of Bree and Harrison streets.

The fire occurred in a sixteen-storey building that houses both residential and commercial spaces. Authorities said the flames were confined to the ground floor and did not spread to upper levels.

“Initial assessments indicate that the blaze originated on the ground floor of a sixteen-storey building with both residential and commercial sections and did not spread to other floors,” the department said.

Firefighters Act Swiftly to Contain Blaze

Fire crews moved quickly to bring the situation under control, preventing further damage to the building.

“Fire crews initiated swift suppression operations, and the fire was successfully extinguished,” EMS confirmed.

Teams remained on site later in the morning carrying out damping-down operations to prevent the fire from flaring up again. All occupants were safely evacuated, and no injuries were reported.

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Earlier, Vision Tactical security company confirmed that its teams were on scene assisting government firefighters.

Transformer Suspected as Cause, Traffic Chaos Expected

A large transformer located on the ground floor of the building is believed to be linked to the fire. Authorities said the exact cause will only be confirmed once a full investigation is completed after emergency operations conclude.

Motorists have been warned to expect delays in the area.

“Major traffic disruptions are expected this morning as emergency services work to contain the incident. Motorists are urged to avoid the area, use alternative routes and allow responders full access.”