The City of Johannesburg’s Emergency Management Services (EMS) will intensify emergency and fire safety enforcement operations in the Inner City on 30 and 31 December 2025. The City confirmed the operation in a statement on Monday, saying it forms part of a broader Public Safety Bylaw Enforcement initiative.
The campaign aims to reduce fire risks, strengthen emergency preparedness, and ensure compliance with fire safety regulations during the festive season, a period marked by high foot traffic and increased use of fireworks.
EMS teams will conduct inspections at buildings, businesses and informal trading areas to identify safety risks, including blocked or locked emergency exits, illegal electrical connections, unsafe storage of flammable materials, and non-compliance with fireworks bylaws. Authorities warned that unauthorised sale or unsafe use of fireworks will be dealt with accordingly.
Where immediate danger to life or property is detected, EMS officials may order evacuations, stop unsafe activities, or issue compliance and enforcement notices to prevent potential fires, explosions or other emergencies.
The operations will be undertaken in collaboration with key City departments, including the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), Environmental Health, Development Planning (Building Control), and Central Region Urban Management (CRUM).
The Inner City has previously experienced an increase in fire-related incidents during the festive period, prompting authorities to prioritise proactive prevention measures.
