Fifteen families lose everything in Durban shack fire

By Celani Sikhakhane

• About 15 informal homes, a vehicle and one formal building were destroyed when a fire ripped through Puntas Hill informal settlement..

• The fire comes just four days after another blaze destroyed homes in nearby Wiggins, where an unattended candle was blamed.

More than 15 families have been left with nothing after a fierce fire tore through Puntas Hill informal settlement in Durban on Tuesday evening.

The blaze destroyed homes, a vehicle and a formal building, forcing families to flee with only the clothes they were wearing.

The fire broke out just four days after another devastating blaze destroyed homes in nearby Wiggins, where an unattended candle was blamed.

Residents are now counting the cost of yet another fire tragedy.

The eThekwini Municipality said firefighters rushed to Puntas Hill in Springfield shortly after 4.30pm after receiving reports that homes were on fire.

By the time emergency crews arrived, about 15 informal structures were already engulfed in flames.

Firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control before it spread to more homes in the densely populated settlement.

The municipality said the quick response prevented an even bigger disaster.

“eThekwini Municipality’s Firefighting team responded swiftly to an informal settlement fire in Springfield today, successfully containing the blaze and preventing it from spreading to additional structures,” the municipality said.

The fire destroyed about 15 informal homes, one vehicle and a formal building.

Although many families lost all their belongings, no injuries or deaths were reported.

Displaced residents have been forced to seek temporary shelter with neighbours, relatives and friends while they wait for assistance.

The municipality said its Emergency Services teams are working with other departments to assess the damage and provide support to affected families.

Officials have once again appealed to residents to be extra careful when using candles, paraffin stoves, cooking appliances and illegal electrical connections.

They warned that fires spread rapidly in informal settlements because homes are built close together, often leaving families with little time to escape.

For the families of Puntas Hill, the fire has left behind only ashes and heartbreak as they begin the difficult task of rebuilding their lives.

Pictured above: The aftermath of the fire at Puntas Hill.

Image source: eThekwini Municipality.