A fire ripped through the Vrygrond area yesterday, destroying 38 informal structures and leaving around 60 residents without homes.

Disaster Risk Management Centre spokesperson Charlotte Powell says aid organisation, Gift of the Givers is on site providing immediate humanitarian relief.

“We have also alerted the City’s Informal Settlements Management Branch, the National Human Settlements Department, and the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA). The City’s Solid Waste Department is clearing fire debris.”

Fire and Rescue Services spokesperson Jermaine Carelse confirmed that no injuries were reported and that the cause of the fire is still unknown.

The fire has left families grappling with the loss of homes and belongings, and relief teams are working to provide support as the community begins to recover.