| Devastating weekend of fire-related fatalities | Devastating weekend of fire-related fatalities | | <img alt="" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/PublishingImages/Common%20Environmental%20Health%20Risks%20In%20The%20Home%20Header.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | <p>The City’s Fire & Rescue Service recorded at least 14 fatalities this weekend, including seven minors, in various parts of the metropole. <br></p> | <p>In one of the latest incidents, two adults died from suspected carbon monoxide poisoning in New Woodlands, Mitchells Plain last night, Sunday 30 July.</p><p>According to neighbours, the family had taken a drum of hot coals indoors, and were overcome by the lack of oxygen.</p><p>Two victims were declared deceased on scene, while two children were transported to hospital for treatment. </p><p>SAPS has since confirmed that the children too, passed away.</p><p>It was the second such incident in just over two weeks – on 13 July, four persons were left unconscious and had to be taken to hospital for treatment after making a so called 'galley' fire in their home in Uitsig.</p><p>In other incidents this weekend, twelve people died in five fire incidents in Khayelitsha, Delft and Hout Bay, that destroyed a total of 11 dwellings.</p><p>'The loss of life is absolutely heart-wrenching, and the City's Disaster Risk Management Centre is coordinating relevant services to respond to psycho-trauma and humanitarian assistance for the affected residents. The individual fire incidents are under investigation by the SAPS, but we also want to urge the public please to keep fire safety top of mind at all times, particularly amid the incredibly cold weather that we have been experiencing. Please do not leave open flames or any heating sources unattended, ever; do not leave children unattended, and do not make fires indoors if you do not have a properly ventilated fireplace. The risks, as we have sadly seen, are simply too great,' said the City's Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.</p><p>More fire safety tips are available here: <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/safety-in-the-home/basic-household-safety/fire-safety" target="_blank">https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/safety-in-the-home/basic-household-safety/fire-safety</a></p><p><strong>WEEKLY ENFORCEMENT OVERVIEW</strong></p><p>In the past week, the City's enforcement services made 311 arrests and issued 54 863 fines for various transgressions.</p><p>Cape Town Traffic Services made 55 arrests – 41 for driving under the influence, seven for reckless and negligent driving and seven for various other offences. Officers also recorded 48 882 traffic transgressions, impounded 306 public transport vehicles and executed 2 346 warrants of arrest.</p><p>The Metro Police Department made 38 arrests and issued 2 525 traffic and by-law fines, while their Law Enforcement counterparts made 218 arrests and issued 3 456 notices.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>End</strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><br></p> | 2023-07-30T22:00:00Z | GP0|#1d539e44-7c8c-4646-887d-386dc1d95d70;L0|#01d539e44-7c8c-4646-887d-386dc1d95d70|City news;GTSet|#62efe227-07aa-45e7-944c-ceebacca891d | | | | | GP0|#792a36fa-9d0a-4f24-9f63-98557db59729;L0|#0792a36fa-9d0a-4f24-9f63-98557db59729|Mitchells Plain;GTSet|#2e3de6c1-9951-4747-8f53-470629a399bb;GP0|#c4b7c6dc-8375-4f5e-9dbc-dfae57ed56e6;L0|#0c4b7c6dc-8375-4f5e-9dbc-dfae57ed56e6|Fire;GTSet|#2e3de6c1-9951-4747-8f53-470629a399bb;GP0|#c8cc5142-57fb-4407-b3cd-165b6cafa9ba;L0|#0c8cc5142-57fb-4407-b3cd-165b6cafa9ba|fire safety;GTSet|#2e3de6c1-9951-4747-8f53-470629a399bb | 1 | | | | | | | | | | | 0 |
