Reaction Unit South Africa (RUSA) received a call for assistance at approximately 21:35 yesterday (Saturday, 25/07/2026) after thick black smoke was seen billowing from a car wash on Wick Street in Verulam CBD – KZN.
On arrival, Reaction Officers established that the premises were locked. The Caretaker, who resides on the property, was asleep and was unaware that a Wendy house and a shipping container had caught alight. Officers alerted the Caretaker, who then opened the main entrance gate.
Reaction Officers immediately searched both structures for possible occupants. No persons were located trapped inside.
The Wendy house and the shipping container were extensively damaged in the fire and were declared a total loss. According to information gathered at the scene, the shipping container was allegedly being used by tenants for work purposes, although the nature of the work could not be confirmed.
Firefighters arrived shortly thereafter and extinguished the blaze.
Fire Destroys Two Structures At Car Wash: Verulam CBD – KZNhttps://t.co/zL07CpUZQl#ArriveAlive #Fire @BurnshieldZA pic.twitter.com/xz5eP5MHep
– Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) July 27, 2026
