Cape Town - Eighteen families have been left homeless after a fire tore through a section of Imizamo Yethu near Kommetjie on Tuesday.
In the latest incident, 11 shacks were affected, in the area which has seen numerous fires over the past two years which have displaced hundreds of residents.
In March last year, a pregnant 28-year-old woman was one of the displaced victims.
Before Tuesday’s fire, another blaze in September destroyed 105 informal dwellings, displacing 231 people and killing two men.
The City’s Fire and Rescue Services spokesperson, Jermaine Carelse, said crews from Hout Bay, Constantia, Sea Point, Wynberg, Roeland Street, Milnerton, and Kommetjie Road were dispatched to the scene with seven firefighting appliances and 31 firefighters around 1.50 pm
“Just before 5pm the fire was extinguished and 11 informal structures were destroyed leaving a number of residents displaced. No injuries or fatalities were reported,” he said.
Community leader Samkelo Krweqe said while the shack where the fire started was identified, the cause was still unknown. He said the fire started while the owner was not at home.
“What we have noticed is that people tend to disregard the devastation that comes with load shedding by leaving appliances turned on. This we have seen causing fires in the past and we once again caution residents to ensure that appliances are switched off when not in use,” he said.
Krweqe said some families had already started rebuilding their shacks with the damaged materials. Others sought refuge at the community hall, close friends and family.
“While there are community halls available, people tend to decline such offers because of privacy,” he said.
NGO Thula Thula has rolled out immediate humanitarian relief in form of toiletries, groceries, clothing and bedding. Joanne Chemaly from the organisation said they registered 51 people affected, including children.
“We rely on donations from communities, retailers and corporates to assist the families.
“While people give generously, our needs are greater than what we are receiving, and our biggest expense is purchasing groceries, toiletries and blankets. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated as this is the third fire relief effort we have mobilised for this month,” she said.
The drop-off point for donations is open until today from 9am - 4pm at 20 Harbour Rd, Hout Bay Harbour - next door to the old Oceana Building entry gate on the Snoekies side of the harbour.