The city of Tshwane has mobilized support for fire victims at Mahlangu informal settlement in at Olievenhoutbosch on Sunday after a fire destroyed over 100 shacks.
The fire incident happened on Saturday night.
City of Tshwane MMC for Human Settlements Ofentse Madzebatela visited the victims on Sunday afternoon.
“I visited the community of Mahlangu informal settlement in Region 4 where a fire had broken out the night before destroying over 100 shacks.
While verification processes are underway to determine the extent of the damage, we can confirm that at least 300 persons are displaced because of the incident.
During my visit, I assured the community that the City of Tshwane will help in this difficult time,” said MMC for Human Settlements Ofentse Madzebatela.
MMC Madzebatela added that the disaster management teams have been deployed into the area along with the teams from the Human Settlements Department.
A Joint Operation Centre comprising relevant departments has been established at Olievenhoutbosch Police Station to determine the details of how the City will respond in assisting the affected communities.
Meanwhile, three churches have volunteered to assist the affected communities with accommodation over the next 48 hours.
“We are calling on anyone who can assist with food, blankets and other essential materials to come forward and lend a helping hand,” he said.
Victims of the fire will continue to receive the necessary support from the City. To report any fire incident, please call 107 toll-free or alternatively call 012 358 6300/6400.
Meanwhile, acting public information and media liaison officer Lindsay Zwelithini Mnguni said Firefighters saved numerous shacks from being destroyed by the fire, which was extinguished at about 09:17. About 150 shacks burned down and about 230 people were affected by the fire.
One patient was treated on site for minor burn injuries. Our Disaster Risk Management officials are working with various stakeholders and private entities to provide assistance for those affected by the fire.
“Nearby churches and other non-governmental organizations, in collaboration with the Emergency Services Department and other departments, have offered items such as food and alternative shelter to the affected people.
The cause of the fire has not yet been determined,” said Mnguni.
Mnguni explain that members of the public are urged to be cautious during the winter to ensure the safety and well-being of people, animals and property by observing the following precautionary measures:
• If there is any fire danger to dwellings, such as shacks or houses, or vegetation or veld fires, call the toll-free number 107 for emergencies.
• Burning charcoal produces large amounts of carbon monoxide, so do not leave this in the house when sleeping.
• Never use fuels that are not designed for your heating unit.
• Unapproved controlled burning must never be carried out (no controlled burning will be approved during this period).
• Never leave children unattended near a burning candle or fire.
• Make sure that all candles are placed in safe candleholders.
• Never connect electricity illegally.
• Never overload electrical plugs.
• Never leave an imbawula or a coal fire to burn overnight without supervision.
• Extinguish paraffin fires with sand or a fire extinguisher.
To report any fire incident, please call 107 toll-free or alternatively call 012 358 6300/6400.