More than 400 people have been displaced after a devastating fire tore through an informal settlement in Philippi on 17 March.
Firefighters were alerted to the blaze at approximately 02:45 on Sunday Morning, according to City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services spokesperson Jermaine Carelse.
“A total of 13 firefighting resources were on scene with over 40 firefighters battling the blaze that was fanned by a very strong wind,” Carelse stated. The fire was eventually brought under control at around 08:40.
No injuries or fatalities were reported. However, the fire had a profound impact on the community, destroying more than 100 informal settlements.
In response to the crisis, the humanitarian aid organisation Gift of the Givers (GOTG) mobilised to support the affected residents.
Operating in collaboration with the City of Cape Town Disaster Risk Management Teams, GOTG provided an assessment of the extent of the damage and offered immediate assistance to those in need.
“Our initial assessments indicate close to 250 structures have been burnt out,” reported representatives from Gift of the Givers. “Our teams are actively engaged in conducting further assessments and providing essential aid to those impacted by this tragedy.”
According to Carelse, the origin of the fire is still unknown.
This is not the first time Philippi residents have been left displaced as a result of a fire. On 3 December 2023, more than 100 informal settlements burnt down, and while no casualties were reported, more than 350 people were left to rebuild their homes. On 9 July 2023, three people were killed, including a six-year-old girl, as a result of a fire in Philippi East. In all cases, the police and City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services were unable to identify the cause of the fire.
