Botswana Police Service warns members of the public to take proper precautions when using open fire in their homes. The warning follows disturbing reports of fires in homes, some of which resulted in loss of lives.

The police recently recorded two separate fire incidents in which two people died and others seriously injured.  In one incident at Dikgokonnye lands in Sikwane, a 63 year old woman was burnt to death whilst sleeping alone in her hut and all her property burnt to ashes.  Police investigations revealed that she made fire inside the house to keep her warm.

In a similar incident, a 63 year old woman of Kgaphamadi location in Kasane and her 53 year old husband were found unconscious in their house and it is alleged that they were throttled by the charcoal smoke from the fire which was found in their bedroom.  The woman was certified dead on arrival at the local hospital while the husband was hospitalized.

The police investigations reveal that majority of fire incidents are caused by open fires left unattended to in homes. In some instances fire was placed very close to items that can easily ignite such as blankets, curtains and clothing. The public is therefore, advised to avoid leaving open fires unattended and should ensure that there is ventilation in when fire is in a house to avoid being choked by the smoke.