Two Western Cape Shack Fires Leave 160 Homes Destroyed And Hundreds Homeless

A devastating fire tore through the Masiphumelele informal settlement in the early hours of Sunday, leaving scores of families without shelter.

According to City Fire and Rescue Services spokesperson Frank Forbay, emergency crews were alerted to the incident shortly after 1:30am. Firefighters rushed to the area with significant resources in an effort to bring the situation under control.

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“At approximately 1:30am on Sunday, the City of Cape Town’s Rescue Services were alerted to a blaze in Masiphumelele. A team of 31 firefighters, supported by five blaze engines and three water tankers, was dispatched to the scene to combat the flames,” Forbay said.

The flames quickly spread towards nearby vegetation, complicating efforts to contain the incident. However, firefighters managed to stop the fire from spreading further later that morning.

“The blaze spread into the reeds next to the informal settlement, but by 05:30 the fire was contained.”

Hundreds affected as damage assessment continues

Officials from the City of Cape Town’s Disaster Risk Management (DRM) department carried out assessments after the fire was brought under control.

DRM spokesperson Sonia Lategan confirmed that a preliminary evaluation in the WZ Section of Masiphumelele indicated significant damage to homes and infrastructure.

“The preliminary indications are that approximately 80 structures were damaged and about 203 people were affected. Services on site include DRM, Informal Settlements Management, the Electricity Department, and the SPCA,” Lategan said.

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Authorities also reported damage to electrical infrastructure in the area. Disaster Risk Management officials plan to coordinate further support by requesting assistance from various government departments.

“DRM will also request assistance from SASSA, Solid Waste, Home Affairs and the Department of Social Development. Electrical poles and boxes were damaged.”

Relief organisations stepped in to help displaced residents. Living Hope and Gift of the Givers provided hot meals and hygiene packs to those affected by the disaster.

Imizamo Yethu blaze adds to Western Cape fire devastation

The Masiphumelele blaze came less than a day after another major blaze broke out in the Imizamo Yethu informal settlement on Saturday afternoon.

Around 60 fighters were deployed to tackle the flames as strong winds fuelled the blaze, making firefighting operations particularly challenging.

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Emergency crews also faced disruptions from some members of the community, forcing incident commanders to request assistance from law enforcement to secure the area.

Despite the difficult conditions, fighters eventually managed to contain the blaze at approximately 6pm.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported in either incident, and officials are still working to determine what caused the blaze.