Air Safety Uncertain After Late-Night Blaze at Joburg Chemical Factory

The air safety surrounding the burnt Oricol Environmental Services factory in Sebenza remains uncertain. This warehouse in the industrial area of Edenvale, near Kempton Park, stores chemicals for the waste management, treatment, and recycling company as reported by News 24.

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According to City of Ekurhuleni Emergency Services spokesperson Maswati Mdluli, the fire broke out at the Oricol Environmental Services chemical storage facility at 11:40 p.m. on Wednesday, emitting “massive smoke plumes” over the Spartan area of Kempton Park. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries, but the incident caused significant structural damage.

Fire teams responded swiftly, arriving at the scene just 10 minutes after the fire’s ignition. The blaze was eventually extinguished at 04:30.

The aftermath of the fire saw factory workers on Thursday morning removing chemicals, with packaging still wet from the firefighting efforts. Oricol factory workers and other staff donned full hazmat suits and masks equipped with air filters to protect themselves.

As a precautionary measure, nearby factories were closed due to the chemicals in the air.

Regarding the incident, Oricol declined to comment and stated they were not entertaining any questions about the fire.

The cause of the fire remains unknown, and there is currently no available information regarding air safety in the vicinity. Additionally, no details have been disclosed about the specific types of chemicals stored in the warehouse.

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