SA households warned of preventable fire and burn incidents as cold weather sets in

As winter grips parts of South Africa, experts warn that everyday household heating habits are quietly increasing the risk of fires and burn injuries.

Colder temperatures and persistent rain have seen households turning to heaters, electric blankets, and fireplaces to stay warm, but safety concerns are rising as small, often overlooked actions create conditions for serious fire-related incidents.

Fire safety experts say most winter-related incidents do not begin with large flames, but with routine household decisions.

A heater placed too close to curtains, boiling water left within reach of children, gas heaters used in poorly ventilated rooms, or overloaded electrical sockets are among the most common triggers.

But when incidents do occur, medical experts say the first response is critical, and often mishandled.

Emergency service, CrisisOnCall reveals that one of the most common mistakes is the use of home remedies for burns.

“The biggest issue we still see is people applying substances like butter, toothpaste, or oils on burns,” says Ruan Vermaak, communication manager at CrisisOnCall.

“These only worsen the injury and delay proper treatment. Even ice applied directly can cause further tissue damage.”

Vermaak says the correct immediate response is simple but often ignored in moments of panic.

“Cool the burn under clean, running water for 10 to 20 minutes. Remove tight items like rings or clothing near the affected area, and cover the burn loosely with a clean cloth or dressing. If there is any uncertainty, seek medical attention,” he said.

He adds that hesitation and misinformation often determine how severe an outcome becomes.

“As we see time and again, it is not always the severity of the incident that causes complications, but the response in those first few minutes. People panic or fall back on what they have always heard. Having access to the right medical advice immediately can make all the difference in preventing further harm.”

As colder weather continues across the country, experts are urging households to remain alert, particularly as increased use of heating devices raises the likelihood of preventable accidents.

Saturday Star