Tshwane Student Accommodation Gutted By Fire During Renovations

A fire tore through a student accommodation building under renovation in Rissik Street, Sunnyside, in the City of Tshwane on Sunday night, leaving at least eight rooms and a hallway gutted. Firefighters from multiple stations battled the flames well into the early hours of Monday morning, managing to save significant portions of the two-storey building.

Quick Response to a Devastating Blaze

According to City of Tshwane Emergency Services spokesperson Lindsay Zwelithini Mnguni, the fire was reported to the Emergency Communication Centre just before midnight.

“The Centre then immediately dispatched a fire engine from Hatfield Fire Station, which was the nearest fire station to the scene. Several additional firefighting resources from various stations were also sent as back-up,” Mnguni said.

Firefighting units from Central Fire Station, Philip Nel Park, Hazelwood, Innesdale, and Silverton stations joined the effort. Resources included three fire engines, a ladder, a water tanker, a mobile command unit, a district commander’s unit, and a video unit.

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Upon arrival, firefighters found the first floor of the building ablaze, with flames spreading rapidly through partition walls separating the rooms.

Swift Action Prevents Greater Damage

Mnguni revealed the aggressive firefighting strategy employed to contain the fire and protect nearby buildings.

“About eight rooms in total and two hallways were affected by the fire. The ground floor and most of the first floor were saved because of the swift actions of the firefighters. They also protected the nearby building that was exposed, thus preventing it from being damaged by the raging fire,” he said.

The fire was fully extinguished by 2:44 AM on Monday, with the scene left in the hands of the Tshwane Metro Police Department, South African Police Service, and other role-players for further management.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

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