139 destitute after shack fires

A fire in Dunoon has left 139 people homeless.

The fire, which ripped through Dumani Street on Monday night, affected more than 40 households.

City of Cape Town’s Fire and Rescue Services Spokesperson Jermaine Carelse said fire crews were alerted to the call of numerous informal structures alight in the area just before 9.30pm.

Carelse said fire crews were escorted by cops to the scene.

“We had 11 firefighting appliances and 45 staff members on scene. Firefighters managed to contain and extinguish the fire just after 12.07am and no injuries were reported,” Carelse said.

One resident, who asked to remain anonymous, said the blaze raised fear in the community as residents were just about getting their lives back on track after disruptions caused by Covid-19.

“We have struggled so much during this time and now for so many families to lose their homes just makes matters worse.”

Disaster Risk Management spokesperson Charlotte Powell said no emergency sheltering was activated and destitute residents are staying with family and friends.

She said SASSA has been informed to provide humanitarian assistance.

African News Agency