The fire that affected the Office of the Premier building at 30 Simmonds Street in Johannesburg this morning has been contained.

The fire started on the 7th floor of the building, at this stage the cause of the fire is unknown. The Johannesburg Fire Department remains on site. Forensic investigators from the South African Police Services are already conducting preliminary work to establish the possible cause of the fire.

Staff at the office of the Premier will receive counselling and will not return to the Office of the Premier until the building has been declared safe for occupation.

All officials have been evacuated and released from duty. Premier David Makhura is on site with the MEC for Community Safety Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane and the MEC for Infrastructure Development Jacob Mamabolo.

“I am relieved that there has been no loss of life or serious injury, I commend the co-ordinated and speedy response form the Emergency Services, Law Enforcement Agencies and disaster management teams.”

 

Issued by the Gauteng Provincial Government