Cape Town: 26 killed in festive fires

The City of Cape Town on Wednesday said 26 people lost their lives in fire related incidents since the start of the festive season.

Officials responded to more than 4,000 calls relating to fires since November 2011.

The City's JP Smith said there was a significant decrease in the number of fire related deaths.

“Over this period we received a total of 4,074 fire calls. Of which 136 were in formal residence, 141 informal residential areas, 60 were other buildings and vegetation fires were 1,389."

- EWN