Quick Action by Ekurhuleni Firefighters Saves Primrose Family and Pets from Vehicle Fire
- Ekurhuleni firefighters rescued a Primrose family and their pets from a vehicle fire
- The quick action from the firefighters saved the Primrose home, but the fire destroyed the vehicle and garage
- The family managed to escape unharmed due to the quick reaction of the firefighters
- Briefly News spoke to DEMS spokesperson William Ntladi about the devastating fire in Primrose
A fast and coordinated response by City of Ekurhuleni firefighters prevented a potentially devastating house fire in Primrose on Thursday, 18 September 2025, rescuing a family and their four dogs after a parked vehicle ignited and threatened to engulf their home. The blaze destroyed the vehicle and garage, while the family was taken to a nearby hospital for observation and was not available for comment.
Source: Original
Station wagon on fire
The fire started just after midday at 12 Manida Street when a station wagon parked outside the garage suddenly caught alight. Flames quickly spread to combustible items in the garage, placing the three-bedroom house at risk. The cause of the fire remains unknown, and fire investigators are examining the scene for potential sources such as electrical faults, fuel leaks, or engine overheating.
DEMS spokesperson William Ntladi told Briefly News that the Primrose fire station crew was dispatched immediately.
"On arrival, the vehicle and garage were already well alight. Their swift action prevented what could have been a much worse tragedy. Backup crews from Bedfordview and Edenvale fire stations assisted by establishing a secondary attack line to protect the house," he said.
Residents watched anxiously as firefighters battled the flames.
“We could see thick black smoke and flames leaping toward the house. The firefighters acted quickly; they saved the family and the home,” said neighbour Michael Ndlovu, who lives opposite the property.
Source: Getty Images
R300,000 in property damage
The blaze caused an estimated R250,000 to R300,000 in property damage, including the garage, contents, and vehicle. Insurance claims for similar vehicle-and-garage fire incidents in Gauteng generally range from R200,000 to R350,000, depending on coverage and assessed damages. Final payouts are subject to individual insurance policies and investigations, officials note.
Fire safety and insurance consultant Sipho Khumalo emphasised the importance of prevention measures.
“Vehicle fires often result from electrical faults, fuel leaks, or overheating engines. Homeowners should ensure vehicles are well-maintained, avoid storing flammable materials in garages, and install smoke detectors. Immediate emergency calls are essential to minimise damage and protect lives,” Khumalo said.
This incident underscores the importance of professional emergency services and community preparedness. Within minutes, coordinated action by Ekurhuleni firefighters transformed what could have been a tragic situation into a story of survival and professionalism. While property loss is significant, the prompt response ensured that no lives were harmed.
3 More stories about fires in SA
- Briefly News also reported that South Africans were horrified after six family members died in a shack fire in KwaThema, Ekurhuleni.
- A Limpopo family blamed load shedding for their house being gutted by a fire, and is calling for Eskom to compensate them for their losses.
- A total of 11 classrooms were destroyed in a fire at the Riverlea High School in Randburg on 28 April 2025.
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Source: Briefly News
