Tshwane – A devastating fire at the Plastic View informal settlement left 250 people without homes on Saturday.
According to South African Government News Agency, The blaze, which erupted in the early hours of the morning, resulted in one person being treated for smoke inhalation and moderate injuries, while three others sustained minor injuries. Despite the option for further medical treatment, the individuals refused transport to a healthcare facility. The fire, which destroyed 45 shacks, left residents without shelter and resulted in the loss of personal belongings.
Emergency services responded promptly, arriving on the scene to confront the engulfing flames that had seized the shacks within the settlement located east of Pretoria. The fire was successfully contained and extinguished.
Following the incident, the Tshwane Emergency Services Department announced plans to escalate fire safety and disaster risk reduction education campaigns in the affected area. The department urged residents to exercise extreme caution when using paraffin stoves, to never leave open fires unattended, and to avoid overloading electrical outlets. It also highlighted the dangers of illegal electrical connections.
Relief efforts are now being organized by the Tshwane Emergency Services Department in collaboration with the city’s Community and Social Development Department to assist those impacted by the disaster. The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.