By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Johannesburg Emergency Services (EMS) confirmed that the M1 north has been reopened after underground City Power cables caught fire in the CBD.
The M1 north and southbound were closed between the Empire and Crown interchange.
EMS spokesperson, Robert Mulaudzi, said the underground fire was reported in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
Mulaudzi said there have not been any injuries reported, adding that the area between Empire Road and Crown interchange has been reopened.
He added that the the fire has been contained and at the moment they’re focusing on hotspots.
Residents of Braamfontein, the CBD and Parktown are without electricity. It is not yet clear when their power will be restored.
City Power says it could take days to restore power to parts of Joburg after power cables caught alight in Braamfontein.
The utility suspects the blaze is the result of cable theft.
Meanwhile, the Cape Winelands District Municipality in the Western Cape says its teams have made good progress in containing a fire between Wolwekloof outside Ceres and Romansrivier.
The spokesperson, Joanne Otto, said the cooler weather has helped firefighters control the blaze.
“No reports of property damage have been received; however, teams spent a large portion of the night successfully protecting homes.
“Fresh ground teams will replace those who have been on the lines for 24 hours, and together with the fire vehicles and crew, they will continue to engage in active fire fighting, monitoring, and mopping up where necessary, “Otto added.