With the recent shack fire in Marathon informal settlement that engulfed 16 shacks, residents are urged to help prevent fires.

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Residents are advised to take caution when warming up this winter.

William Ntladi, the spokesperson for Ekurhuleni DEMS, said residents should be careful when heating devices to keep warm as they remain the leading cause of house fires.

“We normally receive incidents of space heater or brazier (a portable heater consisting of a pan or stand for holding lighted coals) accidents, sometimes with tragic results during this time of the year,” said Ntladi.

“These fires mostly occur between midnight and early morning. It’s important to remember to turn off portable heaters when leaving the room or going to bed.”

DEMS provided the following safety tips to prevent fires:

• Keep anything that can burn at least a metre away from heating equipment, like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove or portable space heater.

• Have a metre “kid-free zone” around home fires and space heaters.

• Never use your oven to heat your home.

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• Have a qualified professional install stationary space heating equipment, water heaters or central heating equipment according to the local codes and manufacturer’s instructions.

• Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected every year before usage by a qualified professional.

• Remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.

• Always use the right kind of fuel, specified by the manufacturer, for fuel-burning space heaters.

• Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop embers from flying into the room. Ashes should be cool before putting them in a metal container. Keep the container a safe distance away from your home.

He also said during winter when temperatures can drop dramatically it is everyone`s responsibility to be vigilant in the prevention of destructive fires while keeping warm.

Save these emergency contact numbers for assistance in case of need:

• Fire and rescue services/ life-threatening emergencies: 011 458 0911.

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