South Africa: Emergency crews responding to fire in northern Pretoria, March 29

Event

Security services are responding to a fire in Montana Park, northern Pretoria, March 29. The building is reportedly located at the corner of Breed Street and Zambezi Drive. The cause of the incident remains unclear. It is also unclear whether the blaze caused any casualties.

Poor air quality and disruptions to transport and business are likely in the affected area over the coming hours. Authorities will almost certainly maintain heightened security measures around the scene of the fire for the duration of the firefighting operation; heightened security measures, including the deployment of additional personnel, are likely near the incident site. Localized transport and business disruptions are likely in the area in the coming hours, possibly along the nearby N1 and R513.

Advice

Avoid the area until authorities give the all-clear. Plan for transport and business disruptions along the N1. Seek alternative routes and allow additional travel time to nearby destinations. Consider remaining indoors if smoke is heavy, especially if you suffer from a respiratory illness such as asthma, or conditions that lead to increased risk from smoke exposure. Eye irritation is possible; flush irritated eyes with copious amounts of clean water.