Dozens of residents were left displaced after a devastating fire tore through the Pomona informal settlement along EP Malan Street in Kempton Park on Sunday afternoon, October 12.

According to the City of Ekurhuleni (CoE) Disaster and Emergency Management Services, spokesperson, William Ntladi the the blaze broke out shortly after 12:00 and rapidly spread through the densely packed informal dwellings, fuelled by strong winds.

Firefighters from the Farrarmere Fire Station were the first to respond, supported by crews from surrounding stations, including OR Tambo International Airport Fire Services.

“When firefighters arrived, the entire settlement was at high risk of burning. The strong winds made it difficult to contain the flames,” the Ntladi.

Heavy smoke affects nearby airport operations

Thick plumes of black smoke billowed into the air, potentially impacting flight operations at OR Tambo International Airport, situated nearby. Ten fire engines were deployed to the scene to battle the blaze, with crews using four attack lines and monitors to bring the fire under control.

Residents scrambled to save their belongings as flames rapidly spread between shacks. Although no injuries or fatalities were reported, the number of homes destroyed and people displaced remains unknown at this stage.

Difficult access hampers firefighting efforts

Firefighters faced significant challenges due to narrow access routes within the settlement, forcing crews to connect long hose lines, which resulted in reduced water pressure.

Also read: Memorial service held for siblings who died in shack fire

The cause of the fire is still under investigation by CoE fire safety officers.

Authorities urge residents to exercise fire safety

The City of Ekurhuleni has once again urged residents living in informal settlements to be cautious when using open flames, stoves, or heating devices.

“We plead with our residents to exercise extreme caution to prevent such incidents that put lives and property at risk,” said Ntladi.