Hundreds left homeless after Blackburn Village fire
It is unclear what started the fire however, local ward councillor, Nicole Bollman has started a collection to help families affected by the blaze.
MORE than 100 families have been left homeless after a fire tore through the Blackburn Village Informal Settlement late on Saturday evening. It is unclear what started the fire however, local ward councillor, Nicole Bollman has started a collection to help families affected by the blaze.
“We estimate that more than 80 informal dwellings burned down in the fire. I’ve liaised with the Department of Human Settlement who are helping with relief efforts but I’m also appealing to the north Durban community to help donate any items that could help those affected by the fire. To help the community get back on its feet, I’m urging residents to donate food, clothes, blankets and other non-perishable items,” she said.
Umhlanga Fire Department’s divisional commander, Jay Kanniappen, said at least four fire trucks responded to the blaze just after 10.30pm.
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“Fire engines from uMhlanga and Durban North fire stations attended to the blaze. Thankfully there were no injuries or fatalities on the night. We had a few residents we treated for smoke inhalation but nothing serious.
“The firefighters worked quickly to bring the blaze under control and we were able to quell the fire within half an hour,” he said.
While the City and the Department of Human Settlements, are helping with relief efforts, councillor, Bollman said she was looking for drop-off points in uMhlanga and La Lucia to help with relief efforts.
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“Since I put out an appeal for help on various social media platforms the local community have really stepped up and donated items which has been amazing to see. At the moment we have drop-off points at Broadway Pharmacy (Swapo Road), Blessed Sacrament (Glenashley) and Trinity Methodist Church (La Lucia). I’m looking to secure other drop-off points in La Lucia and uMhlanga,” she said.
Contact Bollman on 082 460 6206 for any information on donations or how to become more involved.
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