“Everything Is Gone”: Fire Believed To Be in Orania Sparks Concern As Businesses Are Damaged

• A fire broke out in what appears to be Orania on 13 January 2026, involving several businesses after starting from a restaurant
• Emergency services responded quickly to the scene, with residents coming out to watch as fire department officials worked to put out the flames
• No injuries were reported in the incident, though the fire damaged nearby buildings and left the community shaken
• Briefly News spoke to architectural technologist Kyle Moodley on what common factors can lead to fires in buildings such as restaurants

A video showing a fire in what appears to be Orania in the Northern Cape has sparked concern among South Africans after footage was shared on 13 January 2026. The clip shows residents of the area standing on a street, watching as emergency services work to put out the flames. In the video, someone records what is happening, showing all of the residents in the area who have come out to see what is going on. Fire department officials can be seen along with other people from the community who have come together to try to put out the fire. The video was shared with text stating that a fire involved several businesses in Orania, which started from a restaurant and damaged nearby buildings. Emergency services responded quickly, and no injuries were reported.

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The footage went viral, with many people commenting on the video. They shared remarks about the services that were used to fight the fire, with some asking questions about whether the area has its own emergency services. Others wanted to know more information about the incident. It remains unclear what started the fire, as the exact cause has not been revealed. Luckily, no injuries were reported, so the residents of the area were safe despite the damage to the buildings.

Speaking to Briefly News writer Nerissa Naidoo, architectural technologist Kyle Moddley discussed what common factors can lead to fires in buildings such as restaurants. He explained:

"Speaking from an architectural technologist’s perspective, fires in restaurants are most commonly caused by faulty electrical wiring, overloaded plug points, poorly maintained kitchen equipment, and open flames used for cooking. Grease build-up in extraction systems and kitchens is also a major fire risk, as it can ignite very quickly if not cleaned and maintained properly."

He also went on to share why these spaces must pass strict safety and compliance checks before operating:

"Passing safety and fire compliance checks is critical because these measures are designed to protect lives, property, and businesses. Proper inspections ensure that fire exits are accessible, electrical systems are safe, ventilation systems are compliant, and fire detection and suppression systems work correctly. Without these checks, small issues can turn into serious disasters, putting customers, staff, and the building itself at risk."

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Mzansi reacts with jokes and concern

The video has sparked a mix of reactions from South Africans, with some making jokes about insurance and others expressing genuine concern for the community:

Social media users shared their thoughts on the fire video, stating:

@msommer_za joked:

"Insurance companies right now😢😤😭"

@ubuntu_siphesihle_hasi wrote:

"January and fires 😅"

@kcee asked:

"Does Orania have its own emergency services?"

@christos said:

"Everything is gone, just everything is gone."

@yoj added:

"Fire happens everywhere, they will build stronger."

@thabisho_chounyane commented:

"So insurance is in Orania currency."

@debbie gushed:

"I hope no one and animals got injured, and I hope you all are doing OK 😔😔😔"

@nkulu_🤘🏾 explained:

"Orania is a private land like your house in South Africa, hence they will use South African services."

@family_bond joked:

"We stand with the fire in these trying times."

@mark_luke_jacobs stated:

"Sad news, these fires are everywhere lately. I am happy no injuries were reported."

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@lebongoepe5 wrote:

"May God be with them, I pray there are no fatalities."

@macandis joked:

"Thoughts and prayers to the fire."

Watch the TikTok clip here.

3 Other stories about life in Orania

• Briefly News recently reported on students from Bo-Karoo Opleiding in Orania celebrating Spring Day by carrying their new prims into the new term.
• A Northern Cape resident shared footage of a street festival in Orania where the community gathered.
• A young lady shared a TikTok post after coming across the racially exclusive town in South Africa, posting an informative video about what the area has to offer.

Source: Briefly News