Over one hundred families have been left destitute after a fire ravaged at least 50 informal structures in Ethembeni informal settlement in Dunoon on Wednesday.
According to the City’s fire and rescue spokesperson, Jermaine Carelse, teams were alerted around 4:50pm about the structures that were engulfed by a fire.
“We had on scene a total of 14 fire fighting appliances and 50 staff members.
“Just after 9pm, firefighters managed to extinguish the blaze that razed approximately 50 informal structures.
“The City’s Disaster Risk Management Centre will verify the number of persons affected after their assessment is completed and no injuries or fatalities were reported,” he said.
Mayco member for safety and security JP Smith said that upon responding to the incident, the fire and rescue team was met by residents who were trying to save their belongings.
“Several units from Metro Police and Law Enforcement responded to assist, helping to protect the firefighters and escort them safely onto the fire line,” he said.
One of the victims, Mxoleleni Sigonyela, said he only managed to save his children’s bed.
“We suspect that it was someone who left an iron on and left. It then caused the fire. It is very difficult because I have nothing, the tools I work with got burned now I don't know what will happen. I have three children who also lost everything, including their documents, school books and clothes,” he said.
Ward councillor, Meisie Makuwa, said residents were angry that they lost all their belongings.
“The area is a dense area; there is only one exit there. People could not save their belongings from the fire because of the way the area is set up. We are still trying to establish what has been lost and the exact number of those affected. We are also waiting to hear what caused the fire, at this point we can't say for sure,” she said.
Humanitarian group, Gift of the Givers also dispatched teams to the area to assist.
Project manager, Ali Sablay, said: “Our teams were called last night by the community leaders and community for assistance as the fire was spreading rapidly through the informal settlement. Disaster Risk management teams are on the ground with registration, over 200 people have been displaced thus far. Gift of the Givers will be providing the affected community today with hot meals, water and baby care packs. Tomorrow once numbers have been finalised, Gift of the Givers teams will assist the community with further humanitarian aid.”
Cape Times