As winter tightens its grip across the country, the Gauteng Department of Health is sounding the alarm after hundreds of children were admitted to hospital with severe burn injuries linked to boiling water, open flames and unsafe heating methods.
The department revealed that 743 children were admitted to one of the province’s busiest specialised burn units during 2024 and 2025, with nearly 80% of cases linked to hot water burns, flame burns and electrical injuries.
Between January and April this year alone, another 116 paediatric burn admissions were recorded, raising fresh concerns about the dangers families face during the colder months.
The warning forms part of National Burns Awareness Week, observed from May 5 to 9, aimed at educating communities about burn prevention and safer practices at home and in public spaces.
Health officials said many households continue relying on paraffin stoves, heaters, candles, open fires, hot water and braziers, commonly known as imbawula, to stay warm, often placing children and elderly residents at serious risk.
The department warned that imbawula should never be used inside poorly ventilated rooms or left unattended, as they can cause devastating fires, severe burn injuries and deadly carbon monoxide poisoning.
Previously, The Star reported on a tragic winter incident in Johannesburg where five family members, including children, died from suspected carbon monoxide poisoning after allegedly using an imbawula inside their home to keep warm overnight. The incident shocked residents after emergency officials confirmed that the victims had inhaled toxic fumes while sleeping in a poorly ventilated room.
In another devastating incident in May 2025, four toddlers died in a devastating fire at a makeshift creche in Mayfair, Johannesburg, after a suspected heating device triggered a blaze in the overcrowded structure. Emergency services said the children, all under the age of two, were trapped inside as smoke and flames rapidly engulfed the building, which had been illegally converted into a childcare space.
Gauteng Health MEC Faith Mazibuko said residents needed to take urgent precautions as winter-related burn incidents continued to place pressure on healthcare facilities.
“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,” she said.
Mazibuko said many burn injuries occur inside homes where heating devices and cooking fires are left unattended.
“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.”
The department’s spokesperson, Steve Mabona, added that residents should familiarise themselves with basic burn first-aid measures, while cautioning against the use of harmful home remedies that could worsen injuries.
“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,” Mabona added.
Health officials further cautioned residents against applying ice, toothpaste, oil, butter or traditional remedies to burns, saying these could increase the risk of infection and further tissue damage.
Residents were also warned not to burst blisters or remove clothing stuck to burnt skin, as this could worsen injuries and lead to serious complications.
The Star
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