Residents Urged To Exercise Caution To Avoid Fires
Authorities and the humanitarian aid organization, Gift of the Givers, have urged residents of informal settlements to exercise caution as hot and windy weather conditions increase the risk of shack fires.
On Tuesday morning, a fire devastated the Wag n Bietjie Informal Settlement at Nomzamo in Strand, resulting in the tragic death of one person. Over 60 structures were destroyed, and approximately 200 people have been displaced.
Gift of the Givers Project Manager Ali Sablay stated that the organization will remain on site to provide urgent humanitarian assistance to those affected.
We are urging the community to be extra cautious, said Sablay. Sometimes, simple negligence can not only destroy your home but also impact the entire community. Unfortunately, one person lost their life due to negligence. When you are under the influence of alcohol, please avoid cooking or leaving candles unattended. Many times, people leave their stoves or candles on, and with the strong south-easterly winds, the damage to informal settlements is devastating.