Tshwane's response to Rosslyn tyre factory fire criticised

A probe is under way to establish the cause of the devastating fire that gutted a tyre factory in Rosslyn in Pretoria North amid claims by the DA that the City of Tshwane refused assistance from private fire fighters during the blaze on Saturday.

Lindsay Mnguni, spokesperson for the Tshwane Emergency Services Department, disputed the DA's claims, saying the department responded promptly to the fire and deployed sufficient resources to the scene to carry out effective firefighting operations.

He said the team deployed to fight fire consisted of 57 firefighters, seven command staff, five water tankers, two fire engines, one ladder truck, one mobile command unit, one hazardous materials unit, two district commander vehicles, two foam tenders and two rapid intervention units.

“Five additional water tankers from the Water and Sanitation Department have been deployed on the scene for additional water shuttling and supply,” he said.

Mnguni said the teams worked systematically to isolate the fire and manage the intense heat and smoke conditions that are characteristic of tyre-related incidents. 

He said through coordinated action, the flames were contained, limiting the extent of the damage and safeguarding nearby communities.

DA Tshwane spokesperson for community safety, councillor Ally Makhafula, alleged the city’s fire engines struggled to get access to water at hydrants while the private fire brigade had a fire engine with water ready to go.

He said his party has been calling on the city to regulate the use of private fire brigades instead of abolishing these services.

“The City of Tshwane would rather choose an environmental disaster affecting the health and safety of an entire community before they accept the assistance of private providers,” he said.

He suggested that the city collaborate with the provincial and national government to modernise the outdated regulatory framework by establishing a clear, contemporary licensing system that enables competent private services to operate lawfully and transparently, complementing municipal responders rather than working against them.

Mnguni said while the emergency services department appreciates offers of assistance during large-scale incidents, all firefighting operations within municipal boundaries must adhere to established regulatory frameworks and safety protocols.

“This ensures that clear command structures, accountability, and the protection of both residents and firefighters engaged in hazardous operations are maintained,” he said.

He added that, alongside the firefighting efforts, the city's green scorpions were deployed to the scene early on to address potential environmental concerns arising from the incident.

“Their role has been crucial in monitoring the impact of thick smoke and contaminated water runoff, ensuring that mitigation measures are in place to protect surrounding communities, soil, and nearby water sources. The green scorpions are also collecting evidence and data that will inform both compliance reporting and follow-up environmental rehabilitation efforts,” he said.

He said the green scorpions will continue to monitor environmental impacts throughout the clean-up phase, working alongside the emergency teams to ensure both human and ecological safety are prioritised.

No injuries were reported during the incident and the cause of the fire remains undetermined pending further investigation.

rapula.moatshe@inl.co.za