By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
South African Revenue Service (Sars) employees have been evacuated from a burning building in the Johannesburg CBD.
It is currently unknown whether there have been any injuries or the cause of the fire.
The Johannesburg emergency management services (EMS) said firefighters were on Wednesday afternoon responding to a building on fire at Frederick and Rissik streets in the Johannesburg CBD.
EMS spokesperson, Nana Radebe says, “The employees have been evacuated from the building, for now we can confirm that everyone is safe and was out of the building. We can confirm that the fire has been contained at the basement level which is used at storage.”
SARS announced that the building would be closed until further notice.
SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter said the fire was successfully extinguished due to the prompt and efficient response by fire rescue services.
Taxpayers are urged to book an appointment for assistance via the SARS website – www.sars.gov.za. Those who want to visit our offices can make an appointment to visit either the Randburg or Alberton branches,” Kieswetter said.
The Commissioner expressed his appreciation to the fire and medical emergency personnel for their assistance in containing the damage and treating people who were affected.
He also apologised to taxpayers for any inconvenience.
The cause and extent of the fire is unknown at this stage and will be investigated.
The latest fire comes after the City of Johannesburg administration had to move out of its offices in Braamfontein because of faulty transformers and fire at the weekend.
The building is home to City of Joburg mayor Kabelo Gwamanda, city manager Brink, and Speaker Colleen Makhubele, who were evacuated after the latest blaze.
The MMC for Public Safety, Dr Mcini Tshwaku said that the City had embarked on an inspection of buildings that pose a fire risk.
This is the third fire the city has been battling in recent weeks. Last month, 67 people died after a building in Albert Street in the same area caught fire.
Joburg Transport MMC Kenny Kunene highlighted the importance of inspecting and closing down inhabitable and health-hazardous buildings in Johannesburg.