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A swift response by eThekwini Municipality’s Fire and Emergency Services prevented a devastating factory fire from spreading to neighbouring properties after a massive blaze broke out in Chatsworth in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Firefighters were dispatched at about 3:58 am to a reported factory fire at 675 Sunset Avenue.

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According to the municipality, crews arrived to find large informal structures within the factory premises fully engulfed in flames.

The fire had already burnt through the roof and was spreading across the floor area towards an adjacent warehouse.

“Their co-ordinated response successfully brought the fire under control, averting a potentially larger disaster,” the municipality said.

The building manager confirmed that no one was on the premises when the fire started.

The factory manufactures furniture products, including chairs and cupboards.

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Preliminary reports indicate that the blaze may have started in informal storage structures where goods and furniture materials were being kept.

With flames spreading rapidly through highly flammable stock, firefighters launched an aggressive attack, deploying five water streams to contain and extinguish the fire.

The municipality said the quick and co-ordinated response prevented the blaze from reaching surrounding properties.

No injuries or fatalities were reported.

However, the fire caused extensive damage to the factory and its stock, with losses expected to be significant.

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The cause of the fire is under investigation.

The municipality has urged residents and business owners to ensure adequate fire safety measures are in place to protect lives, property and businesses.

Residents can report emergencies to the City’s Emergency Call Centre on 031 361 0000.