Homes and Church Damaged as Tyre Recycling Factory Fire Erupts in Akasia Pretoria North.

Emergency services rushed to the scene of a massive fire at a tyre recycling factory situated between Daan De Wet Nel Drive and Willem Cruywagen Street in Akasia, north of Pretoria, on Saturday, August 16.

The fire, which broke out in the early afternoon, sent thick black plumes of smoke billowing into the sky, visible from several kilometers away. The smoke not only alarmed nearby residents but also reduced visibility on surrounding roads, prompting authorities to caution motorists to avoid the area for their own safety.

Firefighters from multiple stations across Tshwane were deployed to contain the inferno. Using foam and other suppression methods, crews worked tirelessly to prevent the blaze from spreading further. By around 14:00, the fire was still active, but emergency officials confirmed that it was largely under control, though hotspots remained.

Local Ward 98 councillor Mickey van der Westhuizen, who arrived at the scene, revealed that the fire had not been confined to the industrial premises. “The flames spread beyond the factory, and tragically, two houses and a nearby church were also caught in the fire,” he reported. “While no injuries have been confirmed at this stage, the damage is extensive, and families have been left devastated.”

The incident also disrupted essential services in the area. Residents began reporting power outages shortly after the fire started. According to Van der Westhuizen, technicians were dispatched to determine whether the outages were linked to the blaze. “As soon as the technical team locates the fault, restoration efforts will begin. Only then will we know if the fire is the direct cause of the electricity cuts,” he explained.

Authorities have since launched an investigation into the cause of the fire, with specialists expected to assess the full extent of the destruction once the area has been declared safe. In the meantime, community members have been urged to remain vigilant, steer clear of the affected zone, and cooperate with emergency responders as mop-up operations continue.