Swift action brings residence fire under control

Dear colleagues and students

On the evening of Monday, 2 March 2020 a small fire started in the Obz Square residence. Initial reports indicate that a lit candle in one of the rooms was left unattended and may have caused the fire. However, a full investigation is underway to determine the exact cause and to also evaluate the response and all other aspects of the incident.

Due to the swift action by the Campus Protection Services staff and the City of Cape Town’s fire department, the fire was extinguished quickly. All staff and students were speedily evacuated according to the university’s safety protocols and they are safe. Student Wellness Services has been made available to provide counselling support to students, while staff have access to further support through the Human Resources department. Fortunately, only one staff member suffered smoke inhalation and has received the appropriate medical attention.

Unfortunately, there was a considerable amount of smoke and a site risk assessment is being done today to assess the damage and make the area “smoke free”. Students whose rooms have been affected by the fire are being relocated and supported by Student Housing and Residence Life.

The UCT executive would like to thank all the staff and students involved in responding to the fire for their speedy assistance and is very grateful that no-one was seriously injured.

Communication and Marketing Department

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• From the UCT Executive
• Campus Announcements