Cape Town – A fire claimed the life of a Masiphumelele resident and left 430 people without homes when it destroyed 100 shacks on Monday.
While the details of the incident remain unclear, firefighters were dispatched after the City’s Fire and Rescue Service was alerted at about 2.45am. The fire was brought under control just before 5am.
Kommetjie Road fire station’s crew was first at the scene and and called for backup.
About 70 firefighters from several fire stations worked to bring the blaze under control. At this stage, a body was discovered, said the City.
“Fire victims will stay with family and friends. Sassa, Gift of the Givers and Living Hope will provide humanitarian assistance. The Department of Home Affairs will assist with the issuing of temporary IDs for the matriculants to write exams. City services including Informal Settlements Management, Solid Waste, Water and Sanitation and Electricity are on site and busy with damage assessments,” said the City.
IOL reported that humanitarian organisation Gift of the Givers had stepped in to assist those affected by the fire.
Spokesperson for Gift of the Givers Ali Sablay said the organisation was providing the victims with “a hot meal, water, blankets and toiletry packs”.
“We will be here for the next five days,” Sablay said.
Cape Times