Over 30 families living in the Pooke Se Bos informal settlement have been left homeless after a fire ripped through the area on Tuesday night.
Community worker Mieta Blom says residents were forced to flee their homes with just the clothes on their backs as the flames spread rapidly.
“It started at 9pm as we came out of church,” she explains.
“I saw flames at three shacks and we ran to help. When we looked again we saw the flames spreading and people just ran to safety leaving everything behind.”
Blom says community workers and firefighters worked together to ensure everyone was accounted for.
“Luckily nobody got hurt and so far we counted just over 30 shacks that were destroyed.”
Fire and Rescue Services spokesperson Jermaine Carelse says firefighters received the call for help at 9.14pm.
“Eight firefighting vehicles and a rescue vehicle attended to the fire with 30 staff members battling the blaze.
“Crews from Ottery, Wynberg, Gugulethu, Epping and Roeland Street Fire Stations managed to contain and extinguish the fire at 11.50pm.
“Numerous structures were destroyed and persons were displaced. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire is unknown.”
When Daily Voice visited the informal settlement on Wednesday bulldozers could be seen removing the debris.
Mieta continues: “Now they are just clearing up and we are waiting on the equipment to rebuild.
“Luckily we have a tent that was erected for an outreach programme so if we cannot rebuild the community will sleep in the tent for the night.
“But now we are worried because it’s so cold so any help will be appreciated.”
Anyone who would like to help can call Mieta on 062 670 6290.