Cape Town firefighters rushed to Claremont on Tuesday after reports of a Cavendish Square fire in one of the mall’s parking levels.
Cavendish Square resumes operations following fire scare
The alarm was raised just before noon, leading to the evacuation of shoppers and staff.
According to Edward Bosch, spokesperson for the City of Cape Town’s Fire and Rescue Service, crews found smoke coming from the mall’s roof when they arrived.
“Upon arrival, crews discovered smoke issuing from the roof of the mall. Law enforcement was requested to assist with evacuating users from the building. Crews have managed to locate the seat of the fire, which is on the P3 level, 3rd floor,” Bosch explained.
The “seat of the fire” is a firefighting term that refers to the main source or starting point of the fire.
In this case, it was traced to an extractor fan system.
Extractor fans are used to pull out hot air, smoke, or fumes from buildings, but when they malfunction, they can overheat and catch alight.
Evacuation and swift emergency response
As smoke spread, law enforcement officers assisted fire crews in clearing the mall.
Hundreds of people were moved outside as a safety precaution while firefighters battled the blaze.
Cavendish Square general manager Warda Gertse praised the fast response.
“Emergency services responded promptly and successfully contained the fire, with no injuries reported. The mall was evacuated as a precautionary measure, as the safety of all tenants, staff, and shoppers remains a top priority,” Gertse said.
Gertse added that investigations showed the fire began in one tenant’s extractor system. Thanks to quick containment, damage was limited, and no injuries were recorded.
After firefighters brought the situation under control and inspected the affected area, the mall was given clearance to reopen.
Trading resumed later in the day, though management described the reopening as cautious, with further safety inspections ongoing.