Yet another fire has struck the Johannesburg Central Business District (CBD), this time at the South African Revenue Services (Sars) building in Marshalltown. The incident occurred on Wednesday, prompting a swift response from the Johannesburg Emergency Services.
According to Nana Radebe, spokesperson for the Johannesburg Emergency Services, two fire engines and firefighters were dispatched to the scene to combat the blaze.
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Fortunately, the fire was contained to the basement level, which is primarily used for storage purposes. All employees were safely evacuated from the building, ensuring no casualties or injuries.
Radebe confirmed that an investigation will be conducted to determine the cause of the fire. Preliminary investigations will commence once the fire has been fully extinguished.
Fire crews are currently tackling a basement fire in Marshalltown, Joburg CBD. Please avoid Fredderick & Rissik street as there’ll be heavy traffic disruption. pic.twitter.com/U9RNjMLndX
— City of Joburg EMS (@CityofJoburgEMS) September 20, 2023
This incident follows the tragic Usindiso Building fire that occurred a few weeks ago, claiming the lives of 77 people and leaving many injured and homeless. As a result, a commission of inquiry was established to investigate the cause of the Joburg CBD fires.
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Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi emphasized the importance of avoiding any political interference in the investigation of the Marshalltown fire. This commission of inquiry aims to provide an unbiased assessment of the incident.
Last week, a separate fire broke out just two blocks away from the Usindiso Building fire. The fire originated on the first floor of a three-story building suspected to be hijacked, where residents had set up makeshift dwellings.