SCORES of people were left homeless after a second fire in less than four days hit a Philippi informal settlement on Thursday afternoon.
Firefighters put out the blaze which, according to residents, broke out shortly after the electricity went off due to load shedding around 2.15pm.
Spokesperson for the City's Fire and Rescue Services, Jermaine Carelse, said about 50 firefighters, two water tankers and six pumps were dispatched to fight the blaze.
“It's a huge fire and the wind conditions are also posing a challenge,” he said.
Carelse said the fire was extinguished shortly after 6pm leaving “many residents displaced”. The cause of the fire was yet to be established.
According to residents no one died in the fire but at least 75 homes were destroyed.
The blaze came as some residents, who were affected by a fire on New Year's Day which destroyed over 270 shacks and claimed the life of one person, were starting to rebuild their homes.
One of the residents, Samkelo Sokweni, told the non-governmental organisation Gift of the Givers, which was at the scene, that he lost his home.
“I managed to save a few documents but lost everything else. Fortunately my children are still on holiday in the Eastern Cape,” said Sokweni.
Community leader Phindiwe Mtiyane received a call while at work to rush home shortly after the fire broke out.
“Our home was not affected but many have been razed to the ground. This is the second tragedy to hit us in a few days while most of us are trying to come to terms with the first one.
“Those who do not have families and relatives to stay with will probably join the families that have found shelter at the Super Shack community hall,” said Mtiyane
Several informal settlements in Masiphumelele, Du Noon, Strand and Philippi have been ravaged by fires over the last few weeks, leaving families destitute.
Police did not respond to confirm the latest incident.
Weekend Argus