Emergency teams deployed as fires claim lives and homes in Western Cape

Gift of the Givers has deployed emergency teams to multiple fire-hit areas across the Western Cape where hundreds have been left homeless and at least two people killed.

According to the NGO, teams were first dispatched to Klapmuts, where a fire claimed one life, before moving to Gugulethu, which left about 80 people homeless.

"The first call came yesterday, late afternoon, from frantic community leaders in Klapmuts, where one fatality was sadly reported. Shortly afterwards, teams were dispatched to Gugulethu, where a fire left approximately 80 people homeless," Gift of the Givers spokesperson Ali Sablay said.

"Late last night, as strong winds intensified, a major fire swept through Nomzamo in Strand, destroying more than 100 structures and leaving hundreds homeless. One fatality has been confirmed, and three individuals have been hospitalised".

The NGO added it has activated a full humanitarian response, with additional resources deployed to Nomzamo at the request of the community.

The City’s Disaster Risk Management (DRM) Centre spokesperson, Sonica Lategan said their staff were conducting assessments in various areas following a series of fires in the past 24 hours. 

In Nomzamo, area staff have activated a mobile Joint Operations Centre and the Macassar DRM Volunteer staff are on site to help compile the list of affected persons.

The City’s Informal Settlements Management (ISM) branch conducted an initial assessment - areas affected in Nomzamo are Freedom Park, Thembeni, Waterstone and Happy Rest, with approximately 185 structures destroyed.

“The area is unsafe due to live wires – Eskom has been informed to address the matter. Once they have been in attendance, DRM will go in to complete the formal assessment,” Lategan said. 

The City’s Solid Waste Department also conducted an initial assessment and will return to site on Monday to clear the fire debris.

“Once the assessment is completed, DRM will forward the list of affected persons to SASSA for relief and assistance going forward.

“DRM staff are also conducting assessments following fires in Fisantekraal, Dunoon and the Barcelona Informal Settlement in Gugulethu."

The Western Cape has been battling a period of heightened fire activity, with hot, dry, and windy conditions contributing to the rapid spread of flames.

Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning MEC Anton Bredell said that authorities were continuing to manage the fires.

“As the hot and windy conditions persist, I urge the public to be extra cautious and responsible with any activity that could start a fire. A single careless moment can place entire communities and our firefighters at risk. Please report fires immediately, follow safety instructions, and help us prevent further incidents during this dangerous period," Bredell said.

He also thanked all firefighters, volunteer organisations, landowners, and community members who have been working tirelessly to protect lives, property, and the environment.

Cape Times