The City of Johannesburg has expressed its sadness for the destruction and loss suffered by hundreds of families as a result of a fire that swept through about 500 shacks in Alexandra yesterday (6 December).
At about 4pm yesterday, the Johannesburg Emergency Management Services received an emergency call to assist with a fire in the Greenville Informal Settlement on Vincent Tshabalala Road (formerly London Road) in Alexandra. The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department and South African Police Services were also at the scene to assist.
Upon arrival at the scene, the firefighters were met with an inferno and immediately began to evacuate the residents in the area to safety.
Emergency services dispatched three fire engines to the scene to extinguish the blaze but battled to find a fire hydrant in the area. The only nearby fire hydrant could not be fully utilised because of low water pressure. The fire engines ultimately had to replenish the water tank every 20 minutes, making several trips back and forth.
The emergency services department said it is thankful for the additional water tankers which were provided by the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality in assisting the firefighting efforts.
MMC for Public Safety Michael Sun said, “We are devastated to hear of the fire which has left hundreds of Alexandra residents homeless. Our firefighters were able to control the blaze under very difficult circumstances. We will ensure that those affected receive assistance and emergency shelters are being arranged by the Disaster Management Unit.”
The city’s Disaster Management Unit arrived shortly after the fire broke out to assist with temporary emergency shelter at East Bank Hall and other emergency relief. Organisations like the Gift of the Givers were also available to assist.
Sun added that he is thankful to these organisations, which include the Zaka International Rescue Unit that assisted with efforts to bring down the blaze. Pick n Pay Alexandra are providing food items to those affected, the Al-Imdaad Foundation is providing rehabilitation resources for firefighters, and Pace Car Rental are assisting with a truck to move household goods.
“We are truly thankful for these kind efforts, which are deeply needed by the distressed community,” said Sun.
The City together with its relief partners will continue to provide food, blankets, hygiene packs and other materials in order to assist the victims of this devastating fire.
Those who wish to donate items can drop them off at the Sandton Fire Station.
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