DOZENS of lives and multiple homes were spared this week in Kennedy Road when residents sprang into action after a rapidly spreading blaze engulfed the informal settlement.

Trained community members reportedly became first responders, containing the fire before emergency services arrived and preventing what could have been a devastating disaster in an area historically prone to destructive fires.

“The fire erupted earlier this week at the Kennedy Road Informal Settlement in Ward 25, destroying four structures and partially damaging two others. As flames threatened to engulf the homes, residents who underwent fire safety and disaster risk reduction training last October mobilised quickly. They formed response teams, tackled hotspots, and safely guided families to safety,” eThekwini’s Fire Department reported.

Resident Linda Lloyd, a participant in last year’s training, described the experience as both terrifying and empowering. “We saw the flames rising and knew we could not wait for help. The skills we learnt kicked in immediately,” he said.

Lloyd added that the team worked together to control the fire without assistance from emergency services. “If it were not for the training, this fire could have destroyed rows of homes. Today, we have families still alive and homes still standing,” he said.

The City said it is now exploring ways to expand this training to more high-risk communities, ensuring safer, better-prepared neighbourhoods across eThekwini.

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