Devasting fire leaves several Blue Skye residents displaced
No injuries were reported, but affected community members are in need of donations.
Several residents of Blue Skye informal settlement in Boksburg are displaced after a fire destroyed more than 50 shacks in the early hours of October 25.
The CoE’s DEMS spokesperson, William Ntladi, said the call centre received a call about a multiple shack fire at 01:35.
“Resources were activated for intervention. Boksburg and Germiston Central Fire Station firefighters collectively responded for intervention. More resources for backup were requested because the flames were visible from a distance. Water tankers, specifically, were resources requested to assist with water shuttling,” said Ntladi.
He said Brakpan, Wadeville and Thokoza all responded to the backup call.
“Six fire engines, augmented by 24 firefighters, attended the incident. During risk assessment, it was found that other shacks were subjected to the blaze, including other nearby formal structures. The wind was blowing strongly, making it difficult to bring the flames under control. From the initial fire suppression, no further damage was seen to either shacks or the formal structures nearby,” said Ntladi.
The spokesperson said there were no casualties.
“DEMS from the city is on-site to help with disaster relief for those affected.”
Ntladi said as per information on the scene, it is alleged that an unmonitored lit candle caused the blaze. However, it is still under investigation by fire safety officers.
Community crying
One of the people affected by the fire, who wished to remain anonymous, said the community is crying because of what everybody lost in the fire.
“All of us are crying. I have 14 shacks, and everything was burnt. Everybody lost everything. People lost their transport money and can’t go to work. Kids don’t have food or clothes.”
Another affected community member, Gabriel Martiz, said he saw flames when he woke up and left the room at about 01:00.
“It was horrible. Everybody just screamed, ‘Fire, fire’. I then woke up people next to me, and we just got out of there.
“Even my medication burnt. I also lost my shoes, which I can’t go without because I have a problem with my ankle. It’s swollen, and I can’t walk without shoes. I’m just thinking of where we are going to sleep and what we will eat,” he said.
A community leader, who also wished to remain anonymous, said the fire was painful because people lost all their belongings.
“Some kids lost their school uniforms and can’t go to school.”
Donations needed
The community leader said residents need donations of blankets, clothing and food.
Anybody who can assist can call Ward 32 Clr Marius de Vos on 081 524 6950.
“The donations will be welcome. I don’t know where the people will sleep tonight.”
De Vos described the informal settlement as a death trap, saying the metro must accommodate residents who qualify for the Leeuwpoort Housing Project.
“Now is the time for local government to assist these residents. The conditions these people live in are inhumane. They are living on a mining shaft.”
This fire broke out almost a month after 25 families lost their homes and belongings in a fire in Angelo informal settlement.
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