CAPE TOWN – Roughly 248 people were displaced after a fire broke out at the refugee camp on Voortrekker Road in Maitland. The tent was completely destroyed.
Jermaine Carelse, spokesperson for the City’s Fire and Rescue Services, said the fire started around 17:00 on Thursday afternoon (6 November) and confirmed that no injuries were reported.
“At this stage, the white marquee tent and several other structures have been destroyed. Further updates will follow once the fire has been extinguished and a thorough sweep of the affected site has been made.”
Resident Bokem Peguy said the tent was engulfed within minutes.
“We don’t know what happened, but we understand that one guy was cooking food in a kitchen. A fire broke out, and he didn’t manage to extinguish the fire. The fire spread throughout the tent within a few minutes.” (sic)
He added that they lost all their belongings.
“Everyone is okay, but we lost most of our stuff. Nobody had a chance to take anything. We don’t know where we will be sleeping tonight. We are sitting outside Maitland Cemetery.”
Ward 56 councillor Cheslyn Steenberg said he is helping to find a place of safety for those affected.
Charlotte Powell, spokesperson for Disaster Risk Management (DRM), said officers are on site conducting preliminary assessments and gathering the necessary information.
According to Powell, humanitarian organisation, Gift of the Givers will be aiding those affected.
“Structures on the perimeter of the site are intact – persons who stayed in the fire-affected tents and structures have the option of returning to the perimeter structure or staying with friends or family off site.
She said DRM is liaising with shelters and safe spaces to determine the availability of beds.
“Once the fire and rescue service clears the affected site, DRM will arrange for a grader to be brought in to clear the area.”
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