There’s been a devastating fire in Wellington. The humanitarian organization, Gift of the Givers says close to 200 structures in an informal settlement in Wellington have been razed in a fire.
Devastating Wellington fire
Spokesperson Ali Sablay says the blaze spread like wild fire in the New Rest Informal Settlement, in the early hours of this morning, leaving a trail of destruction. He says hundreds of people have been displaced and there are reports of 2 fatalities. Their staff are on-site conducting assessments after they were called out to assist with humanitarian relief efforts.
Close to 200 structures possibly affected
Sablay says the fire scene is still active as community members watch in shock as the Drakenstein Fire Department extinguishes the last of the flare-ups. He says community leaders expect close to 200 structures to be destroyed, over 800 displaced, with 2 people having fatally lost their lives.
Providing humanitarian relief
He says SAPS and the forensics department are on the site combing the area for family members who are missing.
“Gift of the Givers teams were called in during the early hours of the morning and are onsite to conduct assessments.”
He says they will provide immediate relief today and extend full humanitarian relief tomorrow.
READ MORE: COCT: Help control the risk of fires
