Gauteng residents have been warned to take precautions when using alternative heating sources as temperatures begin to drop following the onset of winter.
Many South African households use sources such as heaters, paraffin stoves, open fires, candles, hot water and electrical appliances to keep warm which may lead to burn-related incidents.
“We are urging parents and caregivers to take proactive measures to reduce the risk of burns by keeping children away from open flames, heaters, paraffin stoves, hot liquids and cooking areas.
“Residents are also advised to ensure that electrical appliances, gas equipment and heating devices are safely used and properly maintained. Candles, fires and cooking should never be left unattended, as this may lead to devastating incidents, particularly among children,” Gauteng Health MEC Faith Mazibuko said this week.
She urged members of the public to “familiarise themselves with basic burn first aid procedures”.
“In the event of a burn injury, the affected area should immediately be cooled under clean running water for 20 minutes and immediate medical attention should be sought for serious burns,” the MEC noted.
The department warned residents about the dangers associated with the unsafe use of braziers, commonly known as imbawula, also widely used during the cold winter months.
“Imbawula should never be used inside poorly ventilated rooms or left unattended, as they pose a serious risk of burn injuries, carbon monoxide poisoning and may even lead to death.
“It remains a concern that the majority of [burns] admissions involve children. In 2024 and 2025, one of the busiest specialised burns unit in the province recorded a total of 743 paediatric patients’ admissions for burns, with approximately 80% of cases linked to hot water burns, flame burns and electrical injuries.
“Between January and April 2026 alone, the facility recorded 116 paediatric burn admissions.
“The department cautions against applying ice, toothpaste, oil, butter or traditional remedies to burns, as these may worsen the injury and increase the risk of infection. It is advisable to refrain from bursting blisters or removing clothing stuck to burnt skin, as this may cause further tissue damage and complications,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za
