Four men lost their lives, and several other residents suffered smoke inhalation after a devastating fire swept through multiple shacks at Kathrada Park Informal Settlement in Claremont during the early hours of Tuesday morning.

Emergency services were called to the scene shortly after 2 am amid reports of a blaze tearing through sections of the densely populated settlement.

According to the City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services (EMS), firefighters responded swiftly to the incident and worked to contain the flames before they could spread further through the informal settlement.

Despite their efforts, four adult men aged between 20 and 50 years were found dead at the scene.

Gauteng EMS paramedics confirmed the deaths, while several other residents were treated for smoke inhalation and related injuries.

The cause of the fire has not yet been determined and remains under investigation.

The tragedy comes amid bitterly cold weather conditions across Johannesburg and other parts of Gauteng, with authorities warning that increased use of heating devices during winter often contributes to a rise in residential fires.

City of Johannesburg EMS spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi said disaster management teams had been activated to provide assistance to families affected by the fire.

“We have activated our Disaster Management officials to assist the affected families with relief and other materials,” Mulaudzi said.

The blaze has left several residents displaced, adding to the hardship faced by many families already battling harsh winter conditions.

The incident occurred less than a week after the City of Johannesburg issued a public warning urging residents to take extra precautions when using heating devices as a cold front moved across the city.

At the time, emergency services cautioned residents against leaving heaters, candles, braziers and imbaulas unattended, warning that unsafe heating practices could lead to devastating fires and carbon monoxide poisoning.

Residents using braziers were specifically advised to ensure they are used in well-ventilated areas and taken outside before going to sleep.

Emergency officials also urged parents and caregivers to closely supervise children around heating devices to prevent burns and injuries.

Informal settlements are particularly vulnerable to fires during winter months due to the close proximity of structures and the widespread use of open flames and alternative heating methods.

The latest tragedy is likely to renew calls for improved fire safety awareness and better access to safer heating options for vulnerable communities.

Community members gathered at the scene throughout the morning as emergency personnel assessed the damage and investigators began examining the circumstances surrounding the fire.

Many residents described scenes of panic as flames rapidly spread from one structure to another while people attempted to escape.

The identities of the deceased have not yet been released pending notification of their families.

City authorities have appealed to residents across Johannesburg to remain vigilant as cold weather conditions persist.

Mulaudzi reiterated the city’s safety message, urging residents not to leave heating devices unattended and to ensure that braziers are used safely and removed from homes before bedtime.

The City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services remains on high alert across all seven regions of the metro and has encouraged residents to report life-threatening emergencies to its Command and Control Centre on 011 375 5911.

Investigations into the cause of the Kathrada Park fire are continuing.