CAPE TOWN – Devastating fires in Masiphumelele and Imizamo Yethu destroyed around 100 homes and displaced 500 families on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 March
The Disaster Risk Management Centre (DRMC) had completed its assessment of the extent of damage in both areas.
Registration of affected families was ongoing.
Emergency response
The City of Cape Town’s Fire and Rescue Service were alerted to the fire in Masiphumelele at 01:30 on Sunday 8 March.
“A number of resources were dispatched to the incident, which included five fire engines, three water tankers and a total of 31 firefighters along with a type-4 Incident Management Team (IMT4),” said Fire and Rescue spokesperson, Frank Forbay.
The fire spread into the reeds next to the informal settlement, but by 05.30 the fire was contained.
Two fire engines remained on the scene monitoring the area of reeds for flare-ups.
No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire was unknown.
Damage assessment
The DRMC concluded that the final totals are 80 homes and 220 families in Masiphumelele were affected.
Electrical poles and boxes were damaged.
Services on site included the DRMC and SPCA.
Recently the City’s humanitarian relief partner, Living Hope, provided hygiene packs and relief agency Gift of the Givers provided hot meals to affected people.
This Cape Town-based non-profit frequently appeals for donations, particularly for fire relief in areas such as Masiphumelele.
ALSO READ Four-hour fire ravages Masiphumelele homes affecting 650 residents seeking help.
