The City of Cape Town teams continue to finalise a post-fire assessment and restoration of affected services following a blaze that ripped through the Imizamo Yethu informal settlement in Hout Bay on Tuesday.
According to the City’s Fire and Rescue Services spokesperson, Jermain Carelse, authorities were alerted to structures alight in Hughenden Street, Imizamo Yethu, Hout Bay at approximately 01:30 on Tuesday. Firefighters had successfully contained the blaze at approximately 07:40
“A total of nearly 40 firefighters responded to the incident, including the Incident Management Team (IMT) Type 4, which was deployed to coordinate operational activities.”
Carelse added that Law Enforcement officers were requested to assist after certain members of the community interfered with emergency personnel while they were carrying out their duties.
Two firefighters sustained minor injuries during firefighting operations and were treated on scene; however, neither required transportation to hospital. The City has confirmed that no further injuries or fatalities have been reported, and the cause of the fire is unknown.
City teams are reportedly on the ground, with early indications showing that approximately 70 structures were destroyed in the fire, leaving 300 persons displaced.
Meanwhile, the City’s Disaster Risk Management officials have completed their post-fire assessment in Overcome Heights following a fire in the area on Monday afternoon.
The assessment confirmed that 67 informal structures and one formal dwelling were destroyed, while another formal dwelling was partially damaged. SASSA and Gift of the Givers are assisting with humanitarian relief efforts for the 198 people affected by the fire.
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