Dozens of people have been left destitute in Cape Town, following a fire. According to the Gift of the Givers organization 60 shacks were destroyed in a blaze in the Taiwan Informal Settlement in Khayelitsha yesterday.

Dozens of people have been left destitute

Its staff members will today provide humanitarian aid to those affected.

READ MORE: Prevent a fire in your home

Dozens of people have been left destitute — IMAGE: Gift of the Givers

A Spokesperson for Gift of the Givers, Ali Sablay says strong winds exacerbated the fire. He says the number of those affected has not been established yet.

TIPS from the CITY about how to prevent and control fires

The City’s JP Smith says fires in informal settlements are difficult to control, and with that has urged residents to take heed of the following tips: (As reported in another article, also listed on this page.)

Keep a close eye on cooking devices like paraffin or gas stoves, open flames etc.
Do not cook near a window with a curtain.
Keep candles in cans, surrounded by sand to snuff out the flame should the candle fall over.
Do not go to sleep or leave the house with candles or gas lamps still burning.
Do not smoke in bed and make sure cigarette butts are put out properly before disposing of them.
Teach children about the dangers of fire, and store flammable items like matches or lighters out of their reach.
Be aware of the dangers of illegal and faulty electricity connections, which also cause fires.
Keep a bucket handy to fill with water so that you can extinguish flames easily.
Keep a bucket of sand to put out paraffin fires.
Build structures a good distance (at least 3m) apart to prevent fires from spreading; make sure this space is kept open.
Keep roads and access to structures clear at all times.
Do not block roads with personal belongings when there is a fire.
Do not prevent or disturb the work of fire crews fighting fires.