Shack fire in Germiston’s Marathon informal settlement leaves 33 homeless
A fire suspected to have started from a candle destroyed 12 shacks in Germiston’s Marathon informal settlement, leaving 33 residents homeless but unharmed.
Another shack fire in the Marathon informal settlement, in Germiston, left 33 people homeless.
On July 18, 12 shacks were destroyed in a fire which broke out at approximately 17:55, suspected to have been caused by a candle.
While there were no injuries or fatalities reported, the blaze has left families, including eight adult males, eight adult females, seven toddlers under the age of three, a newborn, and nine young children, with nothing but the clothes on their backs.
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Community leaders and Ward 93 Clr Geoffrey Mthembu were on site shortly after the fire was extinguished to assess the damage and offer support.
Thirty blankets were distributed to those affected, but the councillor stressed that much more assistance will be needed to help the families rebuild their lives.
“This is a heartbreaking situation. Many of these residents have lost everything they own.
“We are grateful that no lives were lost, but this incident highlights the ongoing dangers of using open flames like candles in tightly packed informal settlements.
“I urge all residents to be extremely cautious and consider safer alternatives where possible,” said Mthembu.
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In the wake of the fire, community leaders were working together to coordinate donations of clothing, food, baby essentials, and temporary shelter materials.
Residents are reminded to never leave candles unattended and to keep flammable materials away from any open flame.
With the winter season still in full swing, the risk of fires remains high in informal areas where many rely on candles and paraffin stoves for light and warmth.
