22 displaced after fire in Briardene informal settlement
Emergency crews prevented the blaze from spreading further, while relief organisations assisted affected families with household essentials.
Twenty-two people, including six children, were left homeless after a fire destroyed 11 homes in the Briardene informal settlement on Wednesday.
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The cause of the fire has not yet been determined.
Emergency services responded swiftly to the scene, with eThekwini Fire Department containing the blaze before it could spread further.
The affected families lost all of their belongings, including clothing, bedding, furniture, cookware and other household essentials.
eThekwini Disaster Management, the South African Red Cross Society, and Lions Club Durban North assisted residents with immediate relief. The Red Cross provided an emergency tent for those displaced, while the Lions Club Durban North began coordinating the collection of food and clothing hampers for affected families.
Ward councillor Heinz de Boer said the incident highlighted the devastating impact that informal settlement fires have on vulnerable communities.
“One moment people are at work, and the next they receive a call telling them that everything they own has been destroyed. These families have lost virtually all of their possessions and now face the difficult task of rebuilding their lives,” said de Boer.
He thanked eThekwini Fire for their rapid response, saying their efforts prevented the blaze from spreading to more homes.
De Boer also expressed appreciation to the humanitarian organisations that responded to the disaster.
“The support from the Red Cross, Lions Durban North and eThekwini Disaster Management has been invaluable in ensuring families have immediate assistance. Community support will be critical in helping these residents recover,” he said.
Donations of non-perishable food, blankets, clothing, beds, pots, pans and other household items are needed. Smaller donated items can be dropped off at Durban North Pharmacy on Umhlanga Rocks Drive for distribution to the affected families.
Contact de Boer on 062 432 0643 to donate larger items
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