A fire ripped through the Myitshe informal settlement in Mandela Park. The settlement sits in Imizamo Yethu, Hout Bay. The blaze destroyed about 80 informal structures. It left roughly 400 residents homeless.

How the fire unfolded

The blaze broke out at about 03:30. Fire and Rescue received the call at 03:45. Crews spent nearly three hours bringing the fire under control. The fire also damaged four formal dwellings. It destroyed electricity and sanitation infrastructure.

The fire claimed no injuries or fatalities. The settlement sits on the slopes of Constantiaberg. It suffered its second fire since February.

Disaster response and relief efforts

Charlotte Powell, spokesperson for the City’s Disaster Risk Management Centre, says officials are coordinating response and recovery efforts.

Gift of the Givers is providing hot meals and bottled water to affected residents. Sassa coordinates further support through the South African Social Security Agency.

People’s Post previously reported on relief efforts for Masiphumelele and Imizamo Yethu fire victims in January 2026. That fire destroyed about 100 homes. It displaced roughly 500 families.

The housing crisis in Imizamo Yethu

Community activist Roscoe Jacobs says the fire underscores the urgent need for housing.

“This fire again highlights the need to address the housing crisis in Imizamo Yethu,” Jacobs says. “The DA-led City must move the Phase 3 project from plans to delivery of homes.”

What is the Imizamo Yethu Phase 3 project?

The Phase 3 project occupies the old forestry land. It sits between Imizamo Yethu and Hout Bay Main Road. The City previously announced more than 900 housing opportunities. The City expected services and top structures by June 2019. In 2022, the City reported it had completed major infrastructure works.

“Residents still need a clear account of when the City will build the homes,” Jacobs says.

What does the City budget for Phase 3?

The City’s 2026/27 budget lists R7 million for Phase 3. Jacobs says the City must explain what this allocation will fund. He wants a firm construction timetable. He also wants progress reports for residents.

People’s Post has covered Imizamo Yethu’s service delivery protests and refuse challenges in the settlement. The community has long demanded faster housing delivery.

Calls for national government support

Jacobs calls on the National Department of Human Settlements, SASSA and Home Affairs to provide resources. He wants immediate assistance for affected residents.

“Residents deserve immediate support when disaster strikes,” Jacobs says. “And a lasting housing response that helps prevent families from repeatedly facing this devastation.”

A history of devastating fires

Imizamo Yethu has a long history of devastating fires. A massive blaze in March 2017 destroyed about 3,500 structures. It left an estimated 15,000 people homeless. It killed three. Another fire in February 2018 displaced 350 people.

Is Cape Town ready for fire season?

The fire comes as the City prepares for a challenging fire season. The anticipated El Niño weather pattern will likely bring warmer, drier and windier conditions.

Jermaine Carelse is the City’s Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson. He says vegetation fires between November and May account for most incidents. “These conditions often act as a catalyst for runaway fires,” he says. “Increasing both the frequency and severity of incidents.”

The service attended 30,513 incidents in 2025/26. That figure is up 36% from 22,497 in 2018/19.

Carelse says El Niño conditions create an environment more conducive to fires. They increase both ignition risk and rapid spread.

New fire resources and investments

The City has approved R5.75 million for two new 4×4 double-cab response vehicles. The City will deliver them this year. Each vehicle carries 2,000 litres of water. The City will deploy them as first-response resources for vegetation fires.

“This approach will help contain fires more effectively,” Carelse says. “While freeing up frontline firefighting appliances and personnel for other emergencies.”

Fire station upgrades

Constantia Fire Station faces a R16 million upgrade. The City approved R7 million for 2026/27. It plans a further R9 million for 2027/28. The project runs from 1 July 2027 to 30 June 2028.

Brooklyn Fire Station will also get upgrades. The City approved R5 million for 2026/27. It plans R1 million for 2027/28. That project also runs from 1 July 2027 to 30 June 2028.

The City has approved R12 million for both stations this financial year. It plans a further R10 million for 2027/28. The City is spending more than R25 million on fire service investments in 2026/27.

Wildland firefighters ready for the season

The City will deploy 97 wildland firefighters across various fire stations. The number has remained consistent over the past few years. The City appoints firefighters on six-month contracts. They help combat vegetation fires during periods of increased risk.

The City’s 32 fire stations stand in strategic locations. They ensure rapid response to all types of emergencies. The risk profile includes industrial, commercial, residential and special-risk areas. These include a nuclear plant, refinery, hospitals, the airport and harbour.

The City did not provide answers about permanent firefighter numbers. It also did not provide details on vacant posts or the Fire and Rescue budget. The City also withheld details about the planned R3 million Langa fire station.

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