More than 600 shacks destroyed in Masi fire
More than 600 shacks that 1800 people called home were destroyed by a fire in Masiphumelele, on Monday.
Firefighters at Kommetjie Road fire station had seen smoke over the township at 9.40am, said City Fire and Rescue Service spokesman Jermaine Carelse.
Firefighters found several shacks alight in the area known as Z-section. Police had to control an unruly crowd interfering with firefighters’ efforts to contain the blaze, Mr Carelse said.
The fire was extinguished at about 5.40pm and apart from two firefighters who had to be treated for injuries sustained during the course of their duties, no injuries or deaths were reported, Mr Carelse said, adding that the cause of the fire was undetermined.
Disaster Risk Management spokeswoman Sonica Lategan said six dogs with burn injuries were attended to and removed by the Cape of Good Hope SPCA.
The South Africa Social Security Agency (SASSA) had been informed to provide humanitarian relief, and Gift of the Givers, Living Hope and other non-profit organisations had provided food and blankets to the fire victims, said Ms Lategan.
Gift of the Givers project manager Ali Sablay said they had given warm meals, bottled water, baby-care packs, toiletry packs, food hampers, and blankets. Mattresses and other necessities would follow.
Donations can be dropped off at the Living Hope Centre in Kommetjie Road, Fish Hoek.
