Du Noon fire victims devastated – 100 homeless

A fire was reported during the early hours of this morning [Saturday, 02 March 2013] at approximately at 00:23 at Dakela Informal Settlement, close to the N7 national road, near Milnerton.

The City’s Fire & Rescue Services dispatched fire engines and emergency services personnel without delay to the incident from the following fire stations: Milnerton, Melkbosstrand, Epping, Goodwood and Brooklyn.

Upon arrival by firefighters the wood and iron structures were engulfed with flames due to the strong south-easterly wind conditions that persist overnight and spread the blaze.

After three hours at approximately 03:22 firefighters managed to extinguish the blaze applying fire suppression.

The furnace destroyed 60 wooden and iron structures leaving 100 adults. No persons sustained any injuries.

This morning when the disaster response teams reassessed the area the affected fire victims were devastated.

The City’s disaster response teams will during the course of the day assist with the supply of food parcels, blankets, baby packs, clothing and building material.

At this stage the cause of the fire has not been determined – the local authorities will investigate the incident.

End

Issued by: Disaster Risk Management Centre, City of Cape Town

Media enquiries:

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