More than 150 have been left homeless after a fire destroyed about 70 shacks at the Sivillcon informal settlement, near Sefako Makgatho Drive in Derdepoort, Pretoria.
According to the City of Tshwane Emergency Services Department, all residents managed to evacuate on time, and no injuries or fatalities were reported.
The department said several firefighting units were dispatched to the scene, which included crews from crews from Silverton, Innesdale, and Wonderboom Fire Stations who managed to suppress the blaze.
“Firefighting teams worked methodically to contain the flames and manage the intense heat and smoke.
The coordinated effort by firefighters ensured the blaze was quickly brought under control, preventing further spread and protecting nearby homes.
Mopping-up operations are ongoing, and crews will remain on-site until the fire is fully extinguished,” said the emergency services spokesperson, Nana Radebe-Kgiba.
In addition, Radebe-Kgiba said the department will coordinate rehabilitation efforts with different stakeholders.
She urged residents to use heating devices safely and to never leave candles or other heat sources unattended.
“Building safer communities is a shared responsibility, and the Emergency Services Department encourages everyone to exercise caution when using heating equipment,” added Radebe-Kgiba.
Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire.
