Overview

• The fire broke out just after 6:00, drawing responses from Fire Ops SA and the City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services.
• More than 25 firefighters battled the flames for hours, and by about 10:00 the blaze was under control with crews using a drone to check for hotspots.
• Fire Chief Rudie Swanepoel reported that the fire spread rapidly and had already broken through the roof when teams arrived.
• Early indications point to the kitchen as a possible ignition point, though authorities have not confirmed an official cause.
• The timber structure and ongoing renovations accelerated the fire’s spread, no injuries were reported, and employees expressed concern about their future.