Community rallies for support as Imizamo Yethu fire damage is assessed

Relief registration began in Imizamo Yethu on Wednesday morning after a fast-moving fire destroyed multiple informal structures and spread up the mountainside towards Penzance Road.

The City of Cape Town’s Disaster Risk Management (DRM) teams started formal assessments at first light to determine the full extent of the damage following Tuesday afternoon’s blaze.

According to Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson Mark Bosch, crews received the emergency call at 2.57pm reporting informal dwellings alight in Nelson Mandela Road.

“On arrival, crews got to work at extinguishing the dwelling fire; however, the fire spread to the vegetation behind the dwellings and up the mountain towards Penzance Road,” Bosch said.

Additional resources were dispatched, with 10 fire engines and three water tankers deployed. The fire attack was split between extinguishing the structural fire and containing the vegetation blaze.

Bosch confirmed that one firefighter sustained superficial burns to his face and was transported to a nearby medical facility for treatment.

“The fire in Imizamo Yethu has been contained,” he said on Tuesday evening, adding that crews would remain in the area to monitor hotspots and ensure the area is safe.

The exact number of dwellings destroyed and people affected has not yet been confirmed. DRM and the City’s Informal Settlements Management Branch are conducting a formal assessment.

DRM spokesperson Charlotte Powell said recovery efforts would begin immediately.

“An assessment will get underway in Imizamo Yethu this morning to determine the full impact of yesterday’s fire, and start recovery efforts,” Powell said.

She said multiple structures were destroyed and that other City services would inspect infrastructure damage. The Solid Waste Department will clear debris once assessments are complete.

Ward councillor Roberto Quintas said coordinated registration was under way at the Izikilabomi Hall on Wednesday morning in partnership with local NGO Thula Thula and national humanitarian organisation Gift of the Givers.

He outlined a three-part response: registration and distribution of food and essential goods through NGO partners; assistance for families who may qualify for the South African Social Security Agency’s disaster relief grant; and, following assessment, activation of City services to begin clearing, cleansing and repairs to electricity, water and other infrastructure.

Powell confirmed that once affected residents’ details are recorded, the information will be submitted to SASSA, the Provincial Department of Social Development and the National Department of Human Settlements for further relief support.

Community organisations have also stepped in to assist. The Domestic Animal Rescue Group (DARG) said it was helping displaced and injured animals following the fire and appealed for donations of dog and cat food. The organisation said one of its staff members had lost his home in the blaze.

City officials said further details on the number of structures destroyed and residents affected would be released once the assessment has been completed.

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