Firefighters are on the scene of a fire in Imizamo Yethu, which tore through shacks earlier this morning, Wednesday 29 July.
The City’s Fire and Rescue Service was alerted to informal structures alight at around 6:50 this morning.
By 09:00, the fire had been contained, with an initial estimate indicating that 60 structures had been destroyed.
Ward Councillor Rob Quintas says no injuries were reported.
“A big thank you to our City firefighters who battled the blaze under challenging conditions with six fire engines and four water tankers on site at the blaze.”
Once the fire is completely doused and the area is deemed safe, City Disaster Risk Management will attend the site and begin establishing exact numbers and registrations for SASSA and other relief efforts.
City services will also be actioned for mop-up and utility restorations.
Quintas says soft items and donations for affected households and firefighters can be dropped off at the Community Crime Prevention Offices at 9 Princess Street, Hout Bay.
Local coordination for distribution will be undertaken by first-line responders and the local fire relief NGO, Thula Thula.
Gift of the Givers teams are also currently on the scene. Spokesperson Ali Sablay says the fire spread rapidly through the informal settlement, leaving residents with little or no opportunity to save their belongings as they fled for safety.
He estimates hundreds of people have been left homeless and in urgent need of assistance.
“Our teams are conducting assessments in collaboration with disaster management authorities to determine the immediate needs of the affected families. Emergency relief, including food, blankets, clothing, hygiene items, and other essential humanitarian aid, will be provided to support those impacted by this tragic incident.”
Residents can also drop off donations at the Gift of the Givers Drop-Off Centre at P1 at Cavendish Square.
