Home » Residents Flee as Huge Fire Burns Hundreds of Homes in Western Cape, South Africa

Residents Flee as Huge Fire Burns Hundreds of Homes in Western Cape, South Africa

South African firefighters have been battling since the early hours of this morning to put out a huge fire in Mandela Park in Imizamo Yethu informal settlement, greater Hout Bay Valley, Western Cape. There have reportedly been two fatalities. Witnesses describe terrible scenes as residents rush to escape and save their lives, running with whatever personal […]

By SAPeople
11-03-17 22:47
in Eish!

South African firefighters have been battling since the early hours of this morning to put out a huge fire in Mandela Park in Imizamo Yethu informal settlement, greater Hout Bay Valley, Western Cape. There have reportedly been two fatalities.

Witnesses describe terrible scenes as residents rush to escape and save their lives, running with whatever personal possessions they can carry – from TVs and mattresses to their pets, including “scared dogs”. Neighbouring communities are trying to help people carry their furniture and clothes.

Those fleeing in vehicles are unfortunately causing congestion for firefighting trucks trying to reach the fire which is burning houses further up the hill.

Thula Thula Hout Bay said hundreds of homes have been destroyed as fire and rescue attempts have been hampered by poor accessibility and extremely dry conditions (as the Western Cape continues to suffer from drought conditions).

The City of Cape Town’s Fire and Rescue Service are doing all they can to bring the fire under control. Aerial resources are trying to slow the fire with water drops.

Volunteer Wildfire Services (VWS) said “many, many structures have and are currently burning”.

Freelance journalist Aletta Harrison described it as a “terrible day for many families”.

She said she could hear “what sounds like exploding gas bottles every now and again”, which VWS pointed out is increasing the risk for firefighters and the community.

The heavy smoke is hanging over Constantia Valley.

The public is urged to please keep away from the area as onlookers are blocking roads for emergency vehicles and hampering fire fighting operations.

The drop off point for donations is at Thula Thula Main Road Hout Bay: Toiletries, non perishable foods, clothing and bedding will be needed to assist the hundreds who have lost everything, says Thula Thula: www.facebook.com/thulathulahoutbay/

UPDATES: Over 650 shacks and 2,400 people have been displaced… See More at these links:

Heartbreaking photos by Justin Sullivan of #ImizamoYethuFire #HoutBayFire

Please help the stricken families of Imizamo Yethu, Hout Bay Valley, Fire plus Video

Watch fire raging in upper parts of Imizamo Yethu, filmed by local resident

Update noon, Saturday:

MORE

Heartbreaking photos by Justin Sullivan of #ImizamoYethuFire #HoutBayFire

Please help the stricken families of Imizamo Yethu, Hout Bay Valley, Fire plus Video