A fire that broke out at a building on St Andrews Street in the Bloemfontein CBD early on Sunday, 23 August, has been contained by Mangaung Fire and Rescue Services. 

“The Call Centre received an alert about the fire at 03:49. Firefighters were dispatched to the scene and successfully contained the blaze,” said Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality in a statement. 

Fire and Rescue Services then began damping-down operations to extinguish remaining hotspots and ensure the area was safe.

The cause of the fire remains unknown, while the extent of the damage has not yet been confirmed. Law-enforcement agencies will begin investigations once the scene has been declared safe and made available for examination.

The municipality has urged members of the public and motorists to avoid the affected area where possible, and to allow emergency crews and law-enforcement officials to carry out their duties without obstruction.

Authorities have also called on motorists in the CBD to exercise caution while emergency operations continue in the area.

No confirmed reports of injuries have been provided at this stage.