Cold weather brings unexpected snow and fire tragedies
Johannesburg's Emergency Management Services (EMS) spokesperson, Nana Radebe-Kgiba, told SABC NEWS that the deaths were connected to paraffin stoves and open-flame braziers. In just two months, Johannesburg has seen over 300 winter fire emergencies, and officials warn that the number could increase.
The Weather Service has issued alerts for regions affected by the cold front. According to meteorologist Edward Engelbrecht, a low-pressure system is drawing sub-Antarctic air inland, making the colder weather worse.
While urban areas, including Johannesburg, experience extreme frost and wind chill, mountainous regions are likely to experience snowfall.
Several fires have broken out in Gauteng because of the cold weather. Most occurred in informal settlements where people use unsafe methods to heat their homes. Materials that catch fire easily and are unable to provide safe energy put communities at risk of death.
At the same time, the cold front makes travelling dangerous all over South Africa. Officials are urging the nation to avoid nonessential travel and to put fire and road safety first.
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