Over a hundred and sixty people lost their homes after a fire tore through the Drommedaris informal settlement in Paarl. The blaze, fueled by strong winds, destroyed nearly one hundred shacks early Saturday morning. No fatalities were reported, but residents like Bukiwe Mdangayi lost all their possessions, including holiday items for children.
Investigations into the cause are ongoing, though the widespread use of paraffin and gas stoves in the tightly packed community likely contributed to the rapid spread. Drakenstein Municipality fire services, assisted by a local farmwatch group, worked for hours to contain the flames. Immediate aid from the municipality and the NGO Gift of the Givers provided food, blankets, and temporary shelter in a nearby hall.
Community leader Simphiwe Tyhulu noted the dense layout of shacks worsened the damage, sparking calls for improved safety measures and housing upgrades in informal settlements. Many displaced residents are from the Eastern Cape and now face a bleak holiday season, with efforts focused on supplying building materials for reconstruction.
Investigations into the cause are ongoing, though the widespread use of paraffin and gas stoves in the tightly packed community likely contributed to the rapid spread. Drakenstein Municipality fire services, assisted by a local farmwatch group, worked for hours to contain the flames. Immediate aid from the municipality and the NGO Gift of the Givers provided food, blankets, and temporary shelter in a nearby hall.
Community leader Simphiwe Tyhulu noted the dense layout of shacks worsened the damage, sparking calls for improved safety measures and housing upgrades in informal settlements. Many displaced residents are from the Eastern Cape and now face a bleak holiday season, with efforts focused on supplying building materials for reconstruction.
