Around 430 people displaced, one dead, after tragic fire in Masiphumelele, Cape Town
One person has died and around 100 structures were destroyed in a fire in Masiphumele near Fish Hoek in Cape Town, affecting around 430 people on Monday, 31 October 2022. City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson, Jermaine Carelse, confirmed that one body was discovered in the debris after the fire was extinguished on Monday morning. “Kommetjie Road Fire Station’s crew was first on scene and confirmed numerous informal structures burning, fanned by a strong south-easterly wind and called on more resources to help bring the blaze under control.”
Approximately 70 fire fighters brought the fire under control and extinguished the flames at around 08h20. “One body was discovered with fatal burn wounds," said Carelse. Carelse added, “Our response included a fire engine and water tanker from Kommetjie, Ottery, Lakeside and Bellville fire stations respectively while Fish Hoek, Simons Town, Constantia, Wynberg, Salt River, Mitchells Plain, Brooklyn and Brackenfell fire stations each responded with a fire engine and water tankers from Houtbay, Gugulethu and Milnerton fire stations. The fire started at 02h45 and was extinguished at 08h20.” “Challenges faced included the strong south-easterly wind and the built-up area; the informal structures built close against each other, which aided in the fire spread”, said Carelse. Humanitarian assistance is being provided by the South African Social Security Agency and the Department of Social Development, as well as Gift of the Givers and another NPO, Living Hope. “No emergency sheltering will be provided as the fire victims will stay with family and friends,” said Charlotte Powell, spokesperson for the City of Cape Town Disaster Risk Management. “Home Affairs was informed to assist with ID documentation for matric learners and others. City services are still on site doing damage assessments.” This is the second big fire in Masiphumelele in recent years. A huge fire in 2020 left thousands homeless. There was also a fire in January this year. Sources: Jermaine Carelse, spokesperson, City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Service; IOL, Daily Maverick |
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