{"id":51748,"date":"2022-11-08T12:31:47","date_gmt":"2022-11-08T10:31:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/peoplespost\/paws-whiskers-and-noses-treated-for-burns-as-animals-also-hard-hit-by-masi-fire-20221108\/"},"modified":"2025-03-19T20:14:24","modified_gmt":"2025-03-19T18:14:24","slug":"paws-whiskers-and-noses-treated-for-burns-as-animals-also-hard-hit-by-masi-fire-20221108","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/peoplespost\/paws-whiskers-and-noses-treated-for-burns-as-animals-also-hard-hit-by-masi-fire-20221108\/","title":{"rendered":"Paws, whiskers and noses treated for burns as animals also hard-hit by Masi fire"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Paws, whiskers and noses are being treated at Tears Animal Rescue after a devastating fire that killed one person and left 500 people displaced in Masiphumelele informal settlement last week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wendy Scheepers, marketing manager at Tears Animal Rescue, said up to 150 animals, including cats and dogs, are estimated to have been affected. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cTears estimated that between 50 and 150 animals were affected by the recent fires in Masiphumelele. Most of the animals affected have been displaced, disoriented or lost while fleeing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSome animals have experienced injuries while running away.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scheepers added that injuries include deep gashes as well as \u201cdegloving\u201d injuries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Tears Animal Rescue are treating hundreds of animals injured in the fire.<\/div>\n
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Around 70 firefighters responded to the fire on Monday 31 October.PHOTO: jonathan mills<\/div>\n
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\u201cThe Tears Veterinary Clinic has seen burnt noses, paw pads, and whiskers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe have also picked up a few pets that have experienced smoke inhalation, which can certainly be life threatening.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The reality with fires though is that more injured animals are likely to be found for days and weeks after the fire has occurred, says Scheepers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cInjured and distressed animals instinctually hide themselves away making our job more difficult. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe earlier we can reach them, the better the prognosis, especially in terms of infection.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not all animals were fortunate to escape, however, as Tears Animal Rescue have discovered dead animals in the debris.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDuring the clean-up of the rubble, sadly, bodies have been found. More deaths will result from injured animals who are hiding and we cannot find in time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

READ | Around 500 people displaced, one dead, after tragic fire in Masiphumelele<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The public can assist by donating at www.tears.org.za\/donate and choosing Fire Disaster Relief or using FIRE as a reference. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOur shelter will also be experiencing an influx of animals so we encourage supporters to adopt.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A cat with burn wounds sustained during the Masiphumelele fire.PHOTOS: TEARS ANIMAL RESCUE<\/div>\n
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One person died in a tragic fire at Masiphumelele informal settlement.PHOTO: jonathan mills<\/div>\n
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Meanwhile, Ward 69 safety and security representative Jonathan Mills said around 140 structures were destroyed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDisaster management is now in Masi preparing their team to come to the site to make an official list of those affected. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThey estimate that between 120 and 140 structures were affected, which is over 500 people.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The City\u2019s fire and rescue services spokesperson Jermaine Carelse confirmed that one body was discovered in the debris after the blaze was extinguished on Monday morning. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cKommetjie Road fire station\u2019s crew was first on scene and confirmed numerous informal structures burning, fanned by a strong south-easterly wind, and called on more resources to help bring the blaze under control.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Approximately 70 firefighters brought the fire under control and extinguished the flames at around 08:20. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAt this stage, one body was discovered with fatal burn wounds,\u201d said Carelse. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Anyone who would like to donate can drop off items at Living Hope in Kommetjie Road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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