Phumlani Village fire leaves 40 displaced

YET another devastating blaze has rocked the residents of Riemvasmaak, Phumlani Village, leaving around 20 structures destroyed and 40 mense displaced.

According to a community member, who chose to remain anonymous, it is alleged that the fire started due to a backyard dweller who left their stove on on Friday night.

The devastated resident said: “Apparently it was some tenant living in the yard by this one lady. 

“I don’t know if it was a power outage also, but they left the stove on and they went out. I don’t know if it was fish oil that was left in the pot or whatever it was, but it set the curtain alight and from there it was havoc.’

“There was also an old man that ended up in hospital, but we don’t know the severity of the wounds.”

They added that they were able to contain the fire to prevent it from doing more damage.

Fire and Rescue spokesperson Jermaine Carelse said: “The incident was reported at around 11.35pm as informal structures alight in Phumlani Village, on Friday 9 January.

“Crews from various Fire Stations were on scene including and IMT Type 5. By 1.10am, firefighters extinguished the blaze that destroyed four structures and damaged two partially. Our initial estimate is that 40 persons were displaced.

“One person sustained severe burn wounds and was treated and transported to a medical facility. No other injuries were reported and the cause is unknown.”

Community worker Beryl Williams, fondly known as Aunty Girly, said that she was at the area to assess the situation and to provide food for those affected.

Williams told the community that it is important when they rebuild there to ensure that it is not naby.

She said: “People need to remember that it is fire season now and the wind is blowing non stop.

“People need to consider others when it comes to fires. We are waiting on fire training to assist the people of Phumlani.”

She told the Daily Voice that she intends to cook food for the kinders on Monday before going back to school.

Community representative Faizel Smith, who had previously lost his home four times due to fire incidents also encouraged the community to help one another and to check on each other.