Fire guts Smutsville homes in the Western Cape

A fire in Smutsville in Sedgefield in the Western Cape destroyed eight structures and left multiple families destitute on Saturday night.

The fire broke out in Luthango Street shortly after midnight and quickly spread to multiple structures.

According to Ward 1 councillor Levael Davis, preliminary information indicates that a family of five, including a seven-year-old girl; eight men and four women all lost their homes and belongings in the blaze.

The Knysna Fire & Rescue Department responded to the scene and brought the fire under control.

Relief efforts began almost immediately, with Ward 1 committee members lending a hand to those affected.

Disaster and relief organisation Gift of the Givers also instantly jumped in to lend a hand and has spearheaded relief efforts. The Sedgefield Lions is also helping where possible.

Donations were thankfully not hard to come by and by yesterday morning, the affected families had received mattresses, blankets, toiletry hygiene packs, food parcels and maize, Davis confirms.

“We sympathise with those who lost their homes and belongings in this terrible fire.

“I would like to sincerely thank Mario Ferreira and his team from Gift of the Givers; they are truly a blessing to Sedgefield,” Davis says.