Neighbours help to contain yet another fire in Alex

Another Alex family were victims of the recent winter-related fires that have left many in and around Alex, either in distress or homeless.

The most recent incident happened at 11.30pm on 20 July at the Mofokeng family home on 17th Avenue, where a fire destroyed part of the main room in the house and another room occupied by their elderly uncle, Christopher Khumalo, destroying all his belongings and leaving him destitute. This, after a massive fire in neighbouring Marlboro, two weeks ago, which razed many shacks leaving hundreds of residents homeless and under the care of charity organisations and the city council’s social relief programme.

The DA’s proportional representative councillor, Shadrack Mkhonto who was among others who responded to the incident said the fire is still being investigated by the Emergency Management Services (EMS), is suspected to have been caused by a two-plate stove that was left on in Khumalo’s room.

“Other rooms in the house were saved by assistance from neighbours, using water buckets to douse the flames before the EMS arrived. No one was hurt in the incident,” Mkhonto said. He added that he also activated support from churches, residents and the city’s disaster management unit, which provided the family with support including food, blankets, clothing and furniture.

This fire occurred, even after several fire prevention awareness campaigns were carried out by the council.

Details: Shadrack Mkhonto 079 444 1464.

Read: Thousands displaced due to fire in Marlboro

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