More Than 100 Shacks Destroyed In Plastic View Informal Settlement Fire

Emergency services in Tshwane responded to another devastating fire at the Plastic View informal settlement on Thursday evening, with more than 100 shacks reportedly destroyed in the blaze.

The fire broke out shortly after 7pm, prompting a rapid response from firefighting teams. Officials said firefighters faced major challenges while trying to access parts of the settlement as the flames spread.

Despite the difficult conditions, crews managed to contain the fire before it could spread further across the area.

Plastic View Fire Destroys More Than 100 Shacks

Spokesperson for Tshwane Emergency Services, Nana Radebe-Kgiba, said firefighters arrived to find large sections of the informal settlement already engulfed in flames.

“Firefighting resources were immediately dispatched to the scene to contain and extinguish the fire,” said Radebe-Kgiba.

“On arrival, firefighters found the squatter camp engulfed in flames, and preliminary reports indicate that more than 100 shacks have been affected by the blaze.”

She explained that narrow routes within the settlement made it difficult for fire engines to reach the areas most affected by the flames.

Tshwane Firefighters Battle Difficult Conditions At Plastic View

According to emergency services, firefighters worked to stop the blaze from spreading despite the access challenges. Authorities confirmed that no injuries or fatalities had been reported at the time.

“However, residents are unable to confirm whether there are any persons missing, as many community members were attempting to save their belongings and evacuate during the incident. Search and mop-up operations will continue to ensure that all residents are accounted for.”

The latest incident comes only days after another major fire swept through the settlement. Radebe-Kgiba said 59 households were affected by a separate fire in Plastic View on Sunday.

Informal Settlement Fires Raise Safety Concerns In Tshwane

Emergency services warned that fires in informal settlements often spread rapidly because of the materials used to construct shacks.

“The absence of electricity and of unsafe use of candles, imbawula and paraffin or gas stoves left unattended, becomes a major contributor to the increase of fires in informal settlements.”

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Authorities said investigations into the cause of the fire will begin once operations at the scene have been completed.

“Disaster Risk Management will conduct assessments to determine the extent of the damage and provide the necessary assistance to affected families.”

Radebe-Kgiba also urged residents to remain cautious when using heating and cooking devices during winter.

“The Emergency Services Department would like to remind residents to exercise caution when using electrical appliances, open flames, candles, paraffin stoves, and heating devices, especially during the winter season when the risk of residential fires increases.”