At least 56 people were left homeless after 16 shacks were ravaged by a shack fire on Monday 19 January at BM section in Site B. Residents speculated that the blaze, which began after 15:00, was sparked by a gas cylinder that had been left open.
Community leader Soweto Ngomana said BM residents were devastated by the fire, particularly as so many were at work when it occurred.
“According to the information we received the shack fire was started by a young girl who was trying to cook,” Ngomana said. “It was reported she had turned the gas tank on and left it open when fetching matches from a cupboard. The gas had already spread when she lit a match.” He said no injuries were reported.
He said it was the first time such an incident had occurred in the area.
“We are appealing to the community to help or donate with whatever they have to the shack fire victims.” Shack-fire victim Ayanda Ngcebetshana said she had lost everything and was staying with a friend.
“I was at work and my children were at school when the fire started. I work as a cleaner in the area. I was a few metres away when I saw the smoke, even though it hadn’t yet occurred to me that it was coming from the direction of my home. I received a WhatsApp message from one of my neighbours telling me my shack was on fire. I rushed home only to see my shack engulfed in flames!”
The City’s Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson, Jermaine Carelse, said just after 15:00 on Monday 19 January the service received reports of informal structures burning in BM Section, Khayelitsha.
“Several fire crews were on the scene and by 18:00 the blaze was extinguished. Our initial estimate is that 14 structures and more than 50 people were displaced. No injuries have been reported and the cause is yet to be determined officially.” Community members said the number of shacks destroyed and people affected were slightly more.
