Fire destroys 2 houses in Mitchell’s Plain – 15 homeless and 1 adult female declared deceased

At 12:52 on Saturday, 01 December 2012 a fire was reported in Buffalo Street, Eastridge in Mitchell’s Plain.

The City’s Fire & Rescue Services dispatched fire engines from the Mitchell’s Plain, Gugulethu and Belhar Fire Stations to the scene of the incident.

The first emergency vehicle arrived on the scene at 13:02.

The fire that started at No. 63 Buffallo Street completely destroyed the dwelling resulting in the displacement of 7 people.

The fire spread to the neighbouring house at No. 61 Buffalo Street that was partially affected resulting in 8 people been affected.

One female adult, Eveline Levenberg (45 years) that was trapped when the dwelling at No. 63 Buffalo Street was engulfed in flames was declared deceased.

The City’s building inspectorate declared both dwellings unsafe for occupation due to the extent of the fire, water and structural damages.

The City’s disaster response teams assisted the victims that were affected by the blaze with clothing, food parcels and blankets; including making arrangements for alternative accommodation.

The cause of the fire is undetermined and the incident has been handed over to the South African Police Services that has opened an inquest docket for investigation.

End

Source:

* Wilfred Solomons-Johannes, Head: Systems Integration, Special Projects and Disaster Operations, Disaster Risk Management Centre, City of Cape Town