One dead and dozens displaced after Masi fire

One person has died and around 80 people have been displaced after a fire tore through several informal structures in Masiphumelele on Monday morning, October 13.

City Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson Jermaine Carelse said crews were alerted to the fire at around 6am.

“The City’s Fire and Rescue Service received reports of informal structures alight in Masemola Street. Several crews were dispatched to the scene, including the IMT Type 4 team,” he said.

Mr Carelse confirmed that one person had died, although their age and gender were not yet known.

“Our initial estimate is that one formal and around 20 informal structures were destroyed, leaving approximately 80 persons displaced. The fire was extinguished at 10.05am,” he said.

The cause of the fire is still unknown.

Meanwhile, Living Hope has urgently launched an appeal to assist those affected.

Its community response team has been on site since Monday morning, providing immediate support to victims.

“Our team is already on the ground, offering aid, coordination and comfort to those who have lost everything,” said Living Hope’s executive director, Victor Thomas. ”

Mr Thomas said informal dwelling fires like these continue to devastate communities across the Western Cape.

“Our team has responded to the impact of informal dwelling fires nearly every week this year—each time helping the most vulnerable among us rebuild their lives. With summer approaching, we know the frequency and scale of these fires increase dramatically, sometimes displacing hundreds of people at once.”

He urged the public to support their ongoing relief efforts.

“We urgently need your support. Any contribution, big or small, helps us provide relief and restore dignity to those in crisis,” he said.

Living Hope is appealing for donations of hygiene products, such as soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and sanitary pads, as well as clothing for children and men, bedding (including blankets, sheets, and pillows), and waterproof containers and cooking pots.

Donations can be made online at www.livinghope.co.za/give or via the Living Hope Trust – Disaster Appeal Account. Physical donations can be dropped off at their campus on Kommetjie Road, Capri.  

“Every donation makes a significant difference in restoring dignity and hope for our vulnerable community members during these tough times,” said Mr Thomas.

“Together, we can help our neighbours rebuild their lives.”