30 shacks destroyed by fire

The residents of Texas Ranger informal settlement in Kensington awoke to the sounds of screaming as their shacks went up in flames for the second time in as many weeks.

At 3am yesterday, more than 120 people were left destitute, after the blaze gutted 30 shacks.

The fire is believed to have been caused by a candle was left unattended.

Kulsum Fortuin, 22, a resident who lost everything, says she still can’t believe her house is gone.

“I woke up and saw the shack next to me was burning. That’s when I got up and grabbed my children,” she explains.

Kulsum rushed over to her mother’s house to wake her up before running back into her burning shack to try and save her belongings.

“I didn’t even have time to find my shoes, I just grabbed clothes for my children and ran out before the place went up in flames.”

The mother of two boys, Rafiq, four, and Rameez, one, says she is just grateful her children are safe.

Residents are living in fear after a second fire to sweep through the camp in two weeks.

Many of them blame the blazes on drug addicts, who make fires to melt copper wire.

Mymoena Salie, 57, says: “The drug koppe must go! They are causing all these fires.”

Fire and Rescue spokesperson Theo Layne, confirmed: “A fire occurred this morning in 6th Avenue, Kensington, the blaze destroyed 30 dwellings and 124 affected.

“No deaths or injuries have been reported.

“NGO partner HDI is providing humanitarian relief. Informal settlements, Water and Sanitation and Specialised Services are on scene and assisting with rehabilitation.

“The cause of the blaze is still unknown at this stage."