Fire Leaves Over 72 Homeless at Doornbach Informal Settlement

At 00:41 this morning, Tuesday, 4 January 2011, a fire destroyed 31 shacks at Site five, Doornbach Informal Settlement, Potsdam Outspan.

Fire fighters and vehicles of the Milnerton, Brooklyn and Epping fire stations were dispatched to the scene and the fire was brought under control at 01:30.

In total 72 people, including 27 children, were left homeless as a result of the fire.

The fire was contained within an hour and the impact of the fire was reduced due to the quick response of the City's Fire and Rescue Services.

At first light this morning, City disaster response teams were on-site to assist the affected victims.

No injuries were reported and all persons have been accounted for.

The cause of the fire is unknown. Authorities will investigate the incident.

Issued by:
Communication Department
City of Cape Town