Multiple shacks were destroyed in an early morning fire at an informal settlement in Centurion on Sunday, leaving several families without shelter.
According to the City of Tshwane Emergency Services Department, crews responded after receiving an urgent call during the early morning hours, prompting the immediate dispatch of firefighting teams from nearby stations.
Spokesperson for the department, Nana Radebe-Kgiba said firefighters arrived to find several informal structures fully engulfed in flames and immediately launched operations to control the blaze and protect neighbouring structures from catching fire.
She said through coordinated efforts, emergency responders contained and extinguished the fire.
“One patient sustained minor injuries and was treated on scene by emergency medical personnel. Fortunately, no fatalities were reported,” she said.
Radebe-Kgiba said the exact number of destroyed structures remains under assessment as crews carry out overhaul operations to eliminate remaining hotspots and secure the scene.
She said the City of Tshwane’s Disaster Risk Management Division has deployed officials to assess damages and coordinate relief support for the displaced residents.
With the incident occurring during the colder period of the year, officials highlighted the heightened risk of fires in residential areas.
“Residents are also urged to remain vigilant during the winter months and to adhere to fire safety guidelines to reduce the risk of preventable fires,” said Radebe-Kgiba.
She confirmed that the municipality will continue collaborating with relevant stakeholders to ensure affected families receive essential relief.
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