More than 60 Delft residents, including a three-month-old baby, have been left destitute after a fire destroyed 12 homes on Sunday morning.
Residents living in Maas Street say they ran for their lives to escape the blaze and could only watch in horror as their homes and all their possessions went up in flames.
City Fire and Rescue Services spokesperson, Theo Layne, says firefighters received a call for help at 2.31am.
“There were eight wood and iron structures as well as four formal houses on fire,” he explains.
“The fire was extinguished at 4.31am and 62 people were displaced. No injuries or fatalities were reported.”
Mom Tarryn de Villiers, 33, says she was asleep in her Wendy house when she heard her neighbours shouting.
“It was around two in the morning and the people were just screaming that the place is on fire,” she says.
“I took my child and just ran out and left everything behind.
“The community panicked and they tried to throw water, but the wind was too strong and it just spread to all the houses.”
The families say they escaped with just the clothes on their backs and kids stayed out of school on Monday as they do not have uniforms or books, and instead helped their parents clear debris.
DISPLACED: Tarryn de Villiers, 33, took her child and ran. Photo: Monique Duval/Daily Voice
When the Daily Voice visited on Monday, residents were removing rubble and debris while waiting for the City to issue building kits so they can have shelter.
“We are just trying to make a plan, but it is very hard,” says a disheartened Tarryn.
“Some people say they saw the fire start in the front by the electricity pole.
“They say they saw sparks and then the fire started, but they must still investigate.
Shell of a burnt-out car in Mass Street in Delft. Photo: Monique Duval/Daily Voice
“Since Sunday all of us have been sleeping by family, but we can’t live with them forever. We have to rebuild, but we have nothing to start with.
“The City came and gave our kits so we can build, but the children have no clothes and there isn’t any food.”
Human Settlements MEC Bonginkosi Madikizela visited residents on Sunday and asked them to submit a list of names of those affected so the department can ascertain who qualifies for housing subsidies.
Anyone who would like to assist the families can call 062 647 8976.