By Malcolm Hlongwane
A major factory fire in Chatsworth was brought under control by eThekwini Municipality’s Fire and Emergency Services in the early hours of Saturday, preventing the blaze from spreading to nearby properties.
Firefighters were dispatched at approximately 03:58 to a reported fire at 675 Sunset Avenue in Chatsworth. On arrival, emergency crews found large informal structures within the factory premises fully engulfed in flames.
The fire had already spread through the roof and was moving across the floor area towards an adjacent warehouse.
According to the building manager, no one was inside the premises when the fire broke out.
The factory manufactures furniture products, including chairs and cupboards. Preliminary information indicates that the fire may have started in informal storage structures where goods and furniture materials were being kept.
With highly flammable stock fuelling the blaze, firefighters launched an aggressive operation, deploying five water streams to contain and extinguish the fire.
Their swift and coordinated response prevented the flames from spreading further, averting what could have been a far more devastating incident.No injuries or fatalities were reported.
However, the fire caused extensive damage to the factory building and stock, with losses expected to be substantial.
The exact cause of the fire has not yet been determined and remains under investigation.
The municipality has urged residents and business owners to ensure that adequate fire safety measures are in place to protect lives, property and businesses from similar incidents.
email: Malcolm@onenews.co.za
