Over 150 Left Homeless After Fierce Shack Fire Devastates Pretoria’s Sivilcon Settlement

More than 150 people have been left without shelter after a devastating fire tore through the Sivilcon Informal Settlement in Pretoria on Saturday afternoon. According to City of Tshwane Emergency Services, around 70 shacks were completely destroyed in the blaze.

Emergency responders were alerted to the scene shortly after 1 p.m., with multiple firefighting crews from Silverton, Innesdale, and Wonderboom Fire Stations dispatched to contain the inferno.

“Emergency services were alerted to the incident via the Emergency Communication Centre at approximately 13:07 this afternoon,” said Emergency Services spokesperson Nana Kgiba.

Swift Response Prevents Further Fire Damage

Kgiba confirmed that although the blaze wiped out dozens of homes, there were no reported injuries or fatalities.

“However, approximately 70 shacks were destroyed, displacing more than 150 people. The City’s Disaster Management will coordinate rehabilitation efforts with different stakeholders.

“Firefighting teams worked methodically to contain the flames and manage the intense heat and smoke. The coordinated effort by firefighters ensured the blaze was quickly brought under control, preventing further spread and protecting nearby homes,” she explained.

City officials have since begun assessing the damage and arranging emergency relief for affected residents.

Officials Urge Caution as Cause Under Investigation

While the cause of the fire remains under investigation, authorities have not ruled out the possibility that the careless use of heating devices may have sparked the blaze.

Kgiba reminded residents to exercise caution when using open flames or electrical appliances.

“Building safer communities is a shared responsibility, and the Emergency Services Department encourages everyone to exercise caution when using heating equipment,” she said.

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Residents are being urged to never leave candles, paraffin stoves, or other heat sources unattended, particularly as temperatures fluctuate and heating devices become more frequently used.

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